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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2003

 

Commission file number 0-16992

 

CONCORDE CAREER COLLEGES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

5800 Foxridge Drive, Suite 500

Mission, Kansas 66202

Telephone: (913) 831-9977

 

Incorporated in the State of Delaware

 

43-1440321

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

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

 

TITLE OF CLASS

Common Stock, $.10 par value

 

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), (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days, and (3) is an accelerated filer (as defined by Rule 12 b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

(1) Yes x No ¨                     (2) Yes x No ¨                     (3) Yes x No ¨

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, as of February 11, 2004:

 

5,984,772 Shares of Common Stock, $.10 par value

 

The aggregate market value of Voting Securities (including Common Stock and Class B Voting Convertible Preferred Stock), held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $83,944,775 as of February 13, 2004. Part III incorporates information by reference to the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 27, 2004.

 



CONCORDE CAREER COLLEGES, INC.

 

FORM 10-K

 

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003

 

Index

 

Item


        Page

    

Introduction and Note on Forward Looking Statements

   I-1
PART I

1.

  

Business

   I-1

2.

  

Properties

   I-11

3.

  

Legal Proceedings

   I-11

4.

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   I-11
PART II

5.

  

Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

   II-1

6.

  

Selected Financial Data

   II-1

7.

  

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

   II-3

7a.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

   II-12

8.

  

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

   II-13

9.

  

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

   II-32

9a.

  

Controls and Procedures

   II-32
PART III

10.

  

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

   III-1

11.

  

Executive Compensation

   III-1

12.

  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

   III-1

13.

  

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

   III-1

14.

  

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

   III-1
PART IV

15.

  

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K

   IV-1
    

Signatures

   IV-3
    

Exhibit 14(a)

   IV-4
    

Exhibit 31-1

   IV-5
    

Exhibit 31-2

   IV-6
    

Exhibit 32-1

   IV-7
    

Exhibit 32-2

   IV-8


Introduction and Note on Forward Looking Statements

 

The discussion set forth below, as well as other portions of this Form 10-K, may contain forward-looking comments. Such comments are based upon information currently available to management and management’s perception thereof as of the date of this Form 10-K and may relate to: (i) the ability of the Company to realize increased enrollments from investments in infrastructure made over the past year; (ii) the U.S. Department of Education’s (“ED’s”) enforcement or interpretation of existing statutes and regulations affecting the Company’s operations; and (iii) the sufficiency of the Company’s working capital, financing and cash flow from operating activities for the Company’s future operating and capital requirements. Actual results of the Company’s operations could materially differ from those forward-looking comments. The differences could be caused by a number of factors or combination of factors including, but not limited to, potential adverse effects of regulations; impairment of federal funding; adverse legislative action; student loan defaults; changes in federal or state authorization or accreditation; changes in market needs and technology; changes in competition and the effects of such changes; changes in the economic, political or regulatory environments; litigation involving the Company; changes in the availability of a stable labor force; or changes in management strategies. Readers should take these factors into account in evaluating any such forward-looking comments. The following should be read in conjunction with Part II, Item 7 – Safe Harbor Statement.

 

Also see Part II Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Current Trends and Recent Events, and Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

 

Documents Incorporated By Reference

 

Portions of the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after December 31, 2003, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

 

PART I

 

Item 1. Business

 

Overview

 

The Company owns and operates proprietary, postsecondary institutions that offer career vocational training programs primarily in the allied health field. The Company serves the segment of population seeking to acquire a career-oriented education. The Campuses generally enjoy long operating histories and strong franchise value in their local markets. As of December 31, 2003, the Company operated Campuses at 12 locations in seven states (the “Campuses”).

 

The Company was formed in 1988 as a Delaware corporation. Prior to March 31, 1988, the Company was the career college division of CenCor, Inc. (“CenCor”). The Company’s principal office is located at 5800 Foxridge Drive, Suite 500, Mission, Kansas 66202 (telephone: (913) 831-9977). Unless otherwise indicated, the term “Company” refers to Concorde Career Colleges, Inc. and its direct wholly owned subsidiaries.

 

Available Information on Website

 

The Company’s website is located at http://www.concordecareercolleges.com. The Company’s filings are all placed on the Company’s website within a reasonable time after the filing is completed with the SEC.

 

The Campuses

 

The Company’s twelve Campuses are located in the following cities: North Hollywood, Garden Grove, San Bernardino, and San Diego, California; Denver, Colorado; Lauderdale Lakes, Jacksonville, and Tampa, Florida; Kansas City, Missouri; Portland, Oregon; Memphis, Tennessee; and Arlington, Texas. The Company has designated each Campus except Memphis, as a “Concorde Career Institute,” to increase name recognition. The Memphis, Tennessee Campus has been designated as “Concorde Career College.”

 

Programs of Study

 

The Company’s programs of study are intended to provide students with the requisite knowledge and job skills for the positions in their chosen career. The programs are Vocational/Practical Nursing, Respiratory Therapist, Advanced Respiratory Therapist, Surgical Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Radiology Technician, Medical Office Assistant, Medical Office Professional, Medical Assistant, Insurance Coding and Billing Specialist, Dental Assistant, Patient Care Technician, and Massage Therapy. Program offerings vary by Campus. The Kansas City, North Hollywood and Memphis Campuses offer selected associate

 

Part I – Page 1


degree programs. Campuses utilize different program titles pursuant to state regulations. In addition, certain Campuses offer selected short term courses/programs, including Limited X-Ray, Expanded Duties for Dental Assistants, Clinical Lab Assistant, Patient Care Assistant, Home Health Aide, and various certification test preparations in allied health occupations.

 

The Company’s five largest programs represented approximately 81% of the student population at December 31, 2003. The programs and their percentage of the student population at December 31, 2003 are Medical Assistant 31%, Vocational Nursing/Practical Nursing 19%, Dental Assistant 14%, Insurance Coding and Billing Specialist 11%, and Respiratory Therapy 6%. Each of the remaining programs represented less than 4% of the student population.

 

The Campuses utilize a non-traditional academic calendar with program start dates varying by location and type of program. Programs typically commence monthly at most Campuses. Programs of study range from five to eighteen months and include from 400 to 2,265 hours of instruction. Programs are generally taught in a classroom atmosphere, with hands-on clinical and/or laboratory experience as an integral part of the curriculum. Programs generally include an externship immediately prior to graduation, varying in duration from four to twelve weeks, depending on the program.

 

Clinical programs (Surgical Technology, Respiratory Therapy, Radiologic Technology, and Practical/Vocational Nurse) are generally 12 to 15 months in length. The weekend Vocational Nursing program and Radiological Technician are longer, 18 and 24 months respectively. Clinical programs utilize clinical training that occurs in a hospital or medical facility.

 

Core programs (Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy, Medical Office Management, and Insurance Coding and Billing Specialist) are generally 9 to 12 months in length and utilize an externship immediately prior to graduation. Externships occur in medical offices, dental offices, medical and dental clinics, medical facilities, and hospitals.

 

Program advisory committees provide ideas, evaluate and recommend improvements to the curriculum for each program. Advisory committees meet once or twice a year and are comprised of local industry and business professionals. Advisory committee members provide valuable input regarding changes in the program and suggest new technologies and other factors that may enhance curriculum.

 

Recruitment and Admissions

 

A typical student is either: (i) unemployed and enrolls to learn new skills and obtain employment or (ii) underemployed and enrolls to acquire new skills or to update existing skills to increase his/her earning capacity. Students are recruited through advertising in various media, including television, newspapers, Internet, and direct mail. Management estimates that approximately 37% of all enrollments during 2003 were the result of referrals from students and graduates. Referrals accounted for approximately 35% of enrollment during 2002.

 

Each Campus maintains an Admissions Department that is responsible for conducting admissions interviews with potential applicants to provide information regarding the programs and to assist with the application process. In addition, each applicant for enrollment must take and pass an entrance examination administered by persons other than admissions representatives. The entrance examination and interview are designed to determine the student’s ability to benefit from the instruction provided by the Campus and the student’s level of motivation to complete the program.

 

The admissions criteria vary according to the program of study. Each applicant for enrollment must have a high school diploma or the equivalent of a high school diploma. Some Campuses accept students without a high school diploma or equivalent; however, the student must demonstrate the ability to benefit from the program by meeting United States Department of Education (“ED”) requirements before admission is granted. All students must be beyond the age of compulsory high school attendance. The Company utilizes a database maintained by ED to identify applicants who may be in default on a prior student loan.

 

The Company had 5,732 students in attendance at the Campuses at December 31, 2003 compared to 5,056 at December 31, 2002.

 

Student Retention

 

The Company strives to help students complete their program of study through admissions screening, financial aid planning and student services. Each Campus has at least one staff member whose function is to provide student services concerning academic and personal problems that might disrupt or result in a premature end to a student’s studies. Programs of study are offered in the morning, afternoon, and evening to meet the students’ scheduling needs. The Vocational Nursing Program and some general education classes are offered on weekends at some Campuses.

 

If a student terminates enrollment prior to completing a program, federal and state regulations permit the Company to retain only a certain percentage of the total tuition, which varies with, but generally equals or exceeds, the percentage of the program completed. Amounts received by the Company in excess of such set percentage of tuition are refunded to the student or the appropriate funding source. See “Financing Student Education,” and “Regulation” below.

 

Part I – Page 2


The President and Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) is responsible for the overall performance of the Campuses. Reporting to him are: the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer; Vice President, Human Resources; Vice President of Operations (“VPO”); Vice President of Academic Affairs; and the Vice President of Financial Aid & Compliance.

 

The Company maintains a strict focus on compliance in all areas of campus management and utilizes the following staff to review, train and support Campus programs and personnel: National Director of Nursing, Regional Training Developer, Director of Special Projects – Nursing, Internal Compliance Auditor, Financial Aid Specialist, and one Regional Specialist. In addition, other corporate staff train and supplement Campus staff when needed.

 

The Company has centralized some functions to capitalize on expertise at the corporate level. These functions include financial aid fund processing, student collections, default management, accounting, payroll, purchasing, information technology, and new program development. The Company’s operation structure is supported by a management information system that links all Campuses to a centralized administrative database and provides management with real-time access to Campus information and statistics.

 

Each Campus is operated independently and is managed on site by an Executive Campus Director reporting to the VPO. In addition, most Campuses are staffed with a Director of Admissions, Academic Dean, Director of Graduate Services, Director of Finance or a Financial Aid Director and a Director of Business Services, and several other support staff. Instruction at each Campus is conducted by educators from the health care field or by former and current members of the medical community on a full-time or part-time basis. Instructional staff is selected based upon academic and professional qualifications, and experience level.

 

Student Placement

 

The Company, through placement personnel at each Campus, provides job placement assistance for graduates. The placement personnel establish and maintain contact with local employers and other sources of information on positions available in the local area. Additionally, the Director of Graduate Services works with students on preparing resumes and interviewing techniques. Postgraduate placement assistance is also provided, including referral to other cities in which Campuses are located. Frequently, the externship programs result in placement of students with the practitioners participating in the externship.

 

Accreditation and Licensing

 

The Campuses are accredited through accreditation associations recognized by ED. These associations are the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (“ACCSCT”), the Council on Occupational Education (“COE”) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (“ABHES”). The Memphis, Tennessee Campus is accredited by COE. The Arlington, Texas Campus is accredited by ABHES. The remaining Campuses are accredited by ACCSCT. Accreditation by an accrediting body recognized by ED is necessary for a Campus to be eligible to participate in federally sponsored financial aid programs. See “Financing Student Education.”

 

Certain Campuses have received accreditation or approval for specific programs from the following agencies: The American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists, Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, the Commission on Dental Accreditation, the Committee on Dental Auxiliaries-California Board of Dental Examiners, Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology, the California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners, Colorado Board of Nursing, Texas Board of Nursing, Florida Board of Nursing, and the Missouri Board of Nursing. Program specific accreditation/approvals are not necessary for participation in federally sponsored financial aid programs; however, they are required for certification and/or licensure of graduates from some programs, such as the Vocational or Practical Nurse and Respiratory Therapy programs offered by some of the Campuses. These accreditations or approvals have been obtained because management believes they enhance the students’ employment opportunities in those states that recognize the accrediting agencies.

 

The qualifications of faculty members are regulated by applicable accreditation associations and/or agencies. Faculty standards must be met before the Campuses accreditation is renewed. In addition, faculty members teaching certain curriculum must meet standards set by applicable state licensing laws.

 

Each Campus is licensed as an educational institution under applicable state and local laws, and is subject to a variety of state and local regulations. These regulations may include approval of the curriculum, faculty and general operations.

 

Financing Student Education

 

Tuition and other ancillary fees vary from program to program, depending on the subject matter and length of the program. The total cost per program ranges from approximately $5,000 to $23,000.

 

Part I – Page 3


Most students attending the Campuses utilize federal government grants and/or the Federal Family Education Loan programs available under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (“HEA”), and various programs administered thereunder to finance their tuition.

 

Each Campus has at least one financial aid officer to assist students in preparing applications for federal grants and federal loans. Management estimates that during 2003, 81% of cash receipts were derived from funds obtained by students through these programs.

 

Currently, each Campus is an eligible institution for some or all of the following federally funded programs: Federal Pell Grant (Pell), Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), Federal Stafford Loan, Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, and Veterans Administration Assistance. Also, some students are eligible for assistance under the Department of Labor’s Workforce Investment Act.

 

The states of California, Colorado, Tennessee, Florida, Oregon, and Texas each offer state grants to students enrolled in educational programs of the type offered by the Campuses. Typically, many restrictions apply in qualifying and maintaining eligibility for participation in these state programs.

 

Students principally rely on a combination of two Federal programs: Federal Pell Grants and Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs) also referred to as Federal Subsidized Stafford, Unsubsidized Stafford, and PLUS loans. Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans are need based and awarded annually to students studying at least half time at an approved postsecondary educational institution. The maximum Pell Grant a student may receive for the 2003-2004 award year is $4,050. The amount a student actually receives is based on a federal regulatory formula devised by ED.

 

FFELs are low interest federal student loans provided by banks and other lending institutions, the repayment of which is fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by the federal government through a guarantee agency. The student pays no interest on a Subsidized Stafford Loan while in school and for a grace period (up to six months) thereafter; on unsubsidized loans, interest accrues but is capitalized and added to the principal. Parents of dependent students can receive PLUS loans. There is no interest subsidy for PLUS loans. The parent borrower is responsible for all interest that accrues on the loan while the student is in school. For both subsidized and unsubsidized loans, students do not need to begin payment until expiration of a six-month grace period following last day of attendance. After such time, repayment is required in monthly installments, with a variable interest rate. Lenders making subsidized FFELs receive interest subsidies during the term of the loan from the federal government, which also pays all interest on these FFELs while the student attends school and during the grace period. In the event of default, all FFELs are fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by state or private guarantee agencies which, in turn, are reimbursed by the federal government according to the guarantee agency reinsurance provisions contained in the HEA.

 

State and federal student financial aid programs are subject to the effects of state and federal budgetary processes. There can be no assurance that government funding for the financial aid programs in which the Company’s students participate will continue to be available or maintained at current levels. The loss or reduction in funding levels for state and federal student financial aid programs could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 

Regulation

 

Both federal and state financial aid programs contain numerous and complex regulations which require compliance not only by the recipient student but also by the institution which the student attends. The Company monitors compliance through periodic visits to the individual Campuses by Corporate staff. Failure to materially comply with such regulations at any of the Campuses could have serious consequences, including limitation, suspension, or termination of the eligibility of that Campus to participate in the funding programs. Independent certified public accountants audit the Campus’ administration of federal funds as mandated by federal regulations. Additionally, these aid programs require accreditation by the Campuses. See “Accreditation and Licensing” and “Financing Student Education.”

 

One of ED’s principal criteria for assessing a Campus’s eligibility to participate in student loan programs is the cohort default rate threshold percentage requirements (the “Cohort Default Rate”) enacted in the Student Loan Default Prevention Initiative Act of 1990. The regulations apply to the FFEL, and Federal Perkins Loan Program loans. Cohort Default Rates are calculated by the Secretary of Education and are designed to reflect the percentage of former students entering repayment in the cohort year, the fiscal year of the federal government—October 1 to September 30, who default on their loans during that year or the following cohort year. This calculation includes only those defaulted loans on which federal guaranty claims have been paid. A Campus may request that a defaulted loan be removed from the calculation if the Campus can demonstrate that the loan was improperly serviced and collected under guidelines established in ED’s regulations. A loan that is included in the default rate calculation may be subsequently paid by the student, but is not removed from the cohort calculation.

 

Part I – Page 4


After January 1, 1991, the Secretary of Education was authorized to initiate proceedings to limit, suspend or terminate the eligibility of an institution to participate in the FFEL program if the Cohort Default Rate for three consecutive years exceeds the prescribed threshold. Beginning with the release of 1992 Cohort Default Rates in the summer of 1994, a Cohort Default Rate equal to or exceeding 25% for three consecutive fiscal years may be used as grounds for terminating FFEL eligibility.

 

The following table sets forth the 2002, 2001, and 2000 cohort default rates for each of the Campuses.

 

     Cohort Default Rates

Campus


   2002(1)

   2001

   2000

Garden Grove, CA

   10.1    8.6    10.8

Denver, CO

   5.1    14.5    11.7

Jacksonville, FL

   7.8    4.8    3.4

Kansas City, MO

   6.4    5.2    6.8

Lauderdale Lakes, FL

   9.0    14.1    12.1

Memphis TN

   6.0    13.4    13.5

North Hollywood, CA

   7.9    10.9    7.6

Portland, OR

   4.6    4.8    9.5

San Bernardino, CA

   16.8    16.0    13.0

San Diego, CA

   8.4    10.9    4.4

Tampa, FL

   9.6    11.6    10.7

Arlington, TX (2)

   7.1          

 

(1) Preliminary rates received February 2004. These rates are subject to change and may not be reflective of the final rates for 2002.

 

(2) The Arlington Campus began participating in the FFEL program in July 2001. Their first cohort year was October 1, 2001 to September 30, 2002. Therefore, Arlington only has a preliminary rate for 2002.

 

All of the Company’s Campuses have at least one of their three most recent rates below 25% and are, therefore, eligible to participate in the FFEL program. The Company maintains aggressive default management plans for each Campus and monitors activity frequently. Staff at each Campus and Corporate Office assist and educate student borrowers in understanding their rights and responsibilities as borrowers under these student loan programs.

 

In 1994, ED established a policy of recertifying all institutions participating in Title IV programs every five years. Provisional certification limits the Campus’ ability to add programs and change the level of educational award. In addition, the Campus is required to accept certain restrictions on due process procedures under ED guidelines. The Kansas City campus received provisional certifications in 2003 that will expire in 2006. Eight of the Company’s Campuses have full certification. Four Campuses currently have provisional certifications, Kansas City, Portland, and Memphis, received provisional certification due to high Federal Perkins Loan default rates. In addition Memphis was cited for FFEL Default Rates. The Arlington Campus was acquired by the Company in August 2002 and received provisional certification due to the change of ownership. The Company does not believe provisional certification will have a material impact on its liquidity, results of future operations or financial position. There has been no material impact due to provisional certification in prior years.

 

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

 

To participate in Title IV Programs, an institution must be accredited by an association recognized by ED. ED will certify an institution to participate in the Title IV Programs only after an institution has demonstrated compliance with the HEA and the ED’s extensive regulations regarding institutional eligibility. Under the HEA, accreditation associations are required to include the monitoring of certain aspects of Title IV Program compliance as part of their accreditation evaluations.

 

Congress must reauthorize the HEA approximately every six years. The most recent reauthorization in October 1998 reauthorized the HEA until September 30, 2004. The 1998 HEA reauthorization imposed a limit on the amount of Title IV funds a withdrawing student can use to pay their education costs. This limitation permits a student to use only a pro rata portion of the Title IV Program funds that the student would otherwise be eligible to use, if the student withdraws during the first 60% of any payment period. The institution must refund to the appropriate lenders or Title IV Programs any Title IV funds that the institution receives on behalf of a withdrawing student in excess of the amount the student can use for such period of enrollment. Under this HEA requirement, students are obligated to the Company for education costs that the students can no longer pay with Title IV funds. The Company implemented this requirement on October 7, 2000 as required by regulation. The Company monitors the increase in accounts receivable from students and its impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. The Company’s provision for uncollectible accounts has increased as a result of this regulation.

 

ED issued a new financial responsibility regulation that became effective July 1, 1998. Institutions are required to meet this regulation to maintain eligibility to participate in Title IV programs. This regulation uses a composite score based upon three financial ratios. An institution demonstrates that it is financially responsible by achieving a composite score of at least 1.5, or by achieving a composite score in the zone from 1.0 to 1.4 and meeting certain provisions.

 

Part I – Page 5


An institution in the zone may need to provide to ED timely information regarding certain accrediting agency actions and certain financial events that may cause or lead to a deterioration of the institution’s financial condition. In addition, financial and compliance audits may have to be submitted soon after the end of the institution’s fiscal year. Title IV HEA funds may be subject to cash monitoring for institutions in the zone.

 

The Company’s composite score was 1.7, 2.0, and 2.7 in 2001, 2002, and 2003, respectively.

 

An additional HEA standard prohibits an institution from providing any commission, bonus or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on success in securing enrollments or financial aid to any person or entity engaged in any student recruitment, admission or financial aid awarding activity. The Company believes that its method of compensating persons engaged in student recruitment, admission or financial aid awarding activity complies with the requirements of the HEA. The regulations do not, however, establish clear standards for compliance, and the Company cannot assure you that ED will not find any deficiencies in our present or former methods of compensation.

 

Congress is currently reviewing the current HEA reauthorization which expires September 30, 2004. The Company is not aware of any changes that may be made during reauthorization that will have a material financial impact on the Company. However, there can be no assurance of the impact of new regulations or requirements from reauthorization.

 

Competition

 

The Campuses are subject to competition from public educational institutions in addition to a large number of other public and private companies providing postsecondary education, many of which are older, larger and have greater financial resources than the Company.

 

Management believes that the educational programs offered, the Campus’ reputation and marketing efforts are the principal factors in a student’s choice to enroll at a Campus. Additionally, the cost of tuition and availability of financing, the location and quality of the Campus’ facilities, and job placement assistance offered are important. The specific nature and extent of competition varies from Campus to Campus, depending on the location and type of curriculum offered. The Company competes principally through advertising and other forms of marketing, coupled with specialized curricula offered at competitive prices.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2003, the Company had approximately 915 full and part-time employees, of which approximately 497 were faculty members. The Company had 314 management and administrative staff members employed at the Campuses and 44 employed at corporate headquarters. The remaining 60 employees are admissions personnel.

 

Management and supervisory members of both the administrative staff and administrative faculty are salaried. All other faculty and employees are paid on an hourly basis. The Company employs full-time, part-time, and on a substitute/on-call basis. The Company does not have an agreement with any labor union representing its employees and has not been the subject of any union organization efforts.

 

Risk Factors

 

Any of the following risks could materially adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

Failure to Comply with Extensive Regulations Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company’s Business. Failure of the Company’s Campuses to comply with extensive regulations could result in financial penalties, loss or suspension of federal funding.

 

The Company’s revenue is derived almost entirely from tuition, textbook sales, fees and charges paid by, or on behalf of, the Company’s students. A large number of the Company’s students paid a substantial portion of tuition and other fees with funds received through student assistance financial aid programs under Title IV of the HEA. The Company received approximately 81% of cash receipts from such funds for the year ended December 31, 2003. To participate in such programs, an institution must obtain and maintain authorization by the appropriate state agencies, accreditation by an accrediting agency recognized by the ED, and certification by the ED. As a result, the Company’s Campuses are subject to extensive regulation by these agencies that, among other things, requires the Company to:

 

  undertake steps to assure that the students at each of our Campuses do not default on federally guaranteed or funded student loans at a rate of 25% or more for three consecutive years;

 

Part I – Page 6


  limit the percentage of revenues derived at each Campus from federal student financial aid programs to less than 90%;

 

  adhere to financial responsibility and administrative capability standards;

 

  prohibit the payment of incentives to personnel engaged in student recruiting, admissions activities or awarding financial aid; and

 

  achieve stringent completion and placement outcomes for short-term programs.

 

These regulations cover virtually all phases of the Company’s operations, including the Company’s educational programs, facilities, instructional and administrative staff, administrative procedures, financial operations and financial strength. They also affect the Company’s ability to acquire or open additional Campuses or change the Company’s corporate structure. These regulatory agencies periodically revise their requirements and modify their interpretations of existing requirements.

 

If one of the Company’s Campuses were to violate any of these regulatory requirements, the Company could suffer a financial penalty. The regulatory agencies could also place limitations on or terminate the Company’s Campuses’ receipt of federal student financial aid funds, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition. The Company believes that the Campuses substantially comply with the requirements of these regulatory agencies, but the Company cannot predict with certainty how all of these requirements will be applied, or whether the Company will be able to comply with all of the requirements in the future. Some of the most significant regulatory requirements and risks that apply to the Company’s Campuses are described in the following paragraphs.

 

The U.S. Congress may change the law or reduce funding for federal student financial aid programs, which could harm the Company’s business.

 

The U.S. Congress regularly reviews and revises the laws governing the federal student financial aid programs and annually determines the funding level for each of these programs. Congress must reauthorize HEA approximately every six years. The most recent reauthorization occurred in 1998 and reauthorized the HEA until September 30, 2004. Any action by Congress that significantly reduces funding for the federal student financial aid programs or the ability of the Company’s Campuses or students to participate in these programs could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition. Legislative action may also increase the Company’s administrative costs and burden and require the Company to modify the Company’s practices in order for the Company’s Campuses to comply fully with applicable requirements, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

Congress is currently reviewing the current HEA reauthorization which expires September 30, 2004. The Company is not aware of any changes that may be made during reauthorization that will have a material financial impact on the Company. However, there can be no assurance of the impact of new regulations or requirements from reauthorization

 

If the Company does not meet financial responsibility standards, the Company’s Campuses may lose eligibility to participate in federal student financial aid programs.

 

To participate in the federal student financial aid programs, an institution must either satisfy numeric standards of financial responsibility, or post a letter of credit in favor of the ED and possibly accept other conditions on its participation in the federal student financial aid programs. Currently, none of the Campuses are required to post a letter of credit in favor of the ED or accept other conditions on its participation in the federal student financial aid programs due to failure to satisfy the numeric standards of financial responsibility. The Company cannot assure you that the Company or the Company’s Campuses will satisfy the numeric standards in the future.

 

The Campuses may lose eligibility to participate in federal student financial aid programs if their student loan default rates are too high.

 

An institution may lose its eligibility to participate in some or all of the federal student financial aid programs if defaults by its students on their federal student loans exceed specified rates. If any of the Company’s Campuses, depending on its size, loses eligibility to participate in federal student financial aid programs because of high student loan default rates, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

Part I – Page 7


Campuses may lose eligibility to participate in federal student financial paid programs if the percentage of their revenue derived from those programs is too high.

 

A proprietary institution loses its eligibility to participate in the federal student financial aid programs if it derives more than 90% of its revenue from these programs in any fiscal year (the “90/10” Regulation). If any of the Company’s Campuses, depending on its size, loses eligibility to participate in federal student financial aid programs, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition. The Company received approximately $60,054,000 from federal student financial aid programs during 2003, representing 81% of the total cash received on FFEL eligible programs. Individual campuses 90/10 rates ranged from a low of 63.1% to a high of 87.3% in 2003.

 

If the Company fails to demonstrate “administrative capability” to the ED, the Company’s business could suffer.

 

ED regulations specify extensive criteria an institution must satisfy to establish that it has the requisite “administrative capability” to participate in federal student financial aid programs. These criteria require, among other things, that the institution:

 

  comply with all applicable federal student financial aid regulations;

 

  have capable and sufficient personnel to administer the federal student financial aid programs;

 

  provide financial aid counseling to its students; and

 

  submit all reports and financial statements required by the regulations.

 

If an institution fails to satisfy any of these criteria, the ED may:

 

  require the repayment of federal student financial aid funds;

 

  transfer the institution from the “advance” system of payment of federal student financial aid funds to the “reimbursement” system of payment or cash monitoring;

 

  place the institution on provisional certification status; or

 

  commence a proceeding to impose a fine or to limit, suspend or terminate the participation of the institution in federal student financial aid programs.

 

Should one or more of the Company’s Campuses be limited in their access to, or lose, federal student financial aid funds due to their failure to demonstrate administrative capability, the Company’s business could be materially adversely affected.

 

Regulatory agencies or third parties may commence investigation, bring claims or institute litigation against the Company.

 

Because the Company operates in a highly regulated industry, the Company may be subject from time to time to investigations, claims of non-compliance, or law suits by governmental agencies, or third parties, which may allege statutory violation, regulatory infractions, or common law causes of action. If the results of the investigations are unfavorable to the Company or if the Company were unable to successfully defend against third-party lawsuits, the Company may be required to pay monetary damages or be subject to fines, penalties, injunctions or other censure that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. Even if the Company adequately addresses the issues raised by an agency investigation or successfully defend a third-party lawsuit, the Company may have to devote significant money and management resources to address these issues, which could harm the Company’s business.

 

If regulators do not approve the Company’s acquisitions, the ability of the acquired institution to participate in federal student financial aid programs would be limited.

 

When the Company acquires an institution, ED and most applicable state agencies and accrediting agencies consider that a change of ownership or control of the institution has occurred. A change of ownership or control of an institution under the standards of ED may result in the temporary suspension of the institution’s participation in the federal student financial aid programs until the ED issues a temporary certification document. If the Company were unable to reestablish the state authorization, accreditation or ED certification of an institution the Company acquired, depending on the size of that acquisition, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition. If regulators do not approve transactions involving a change of control, the institutions acquired may lose their ability to participate in federal student financial aid programs. If the Company or any of the Company’s Campuses experience a change of control under the standards of applicable state agencies or accrediting agencies or the ED, the Company or the affected Campuses must seek the approval of the relevant agencies. The failure of any of the Company’s Campuses to reestablish its state authorization, accreditation or ED certification would result in a suspension or loss of federal student financial aid funding, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

Part I – Page 8


The ED, applicable state education agencies or applicable accrediting agencies may consider other transactions or events to constitute a change of control. Some of these transactions or events, such as a significant acquisition or disposition of the Company’s common stock, may be beyond the Company’s control.

 

If the Company’s Campuses do not maintain their state authorizations and accreditations, they may not operate or participate in federal student financial aid programs.

 

An institution that grants degrees, diplomas or certificates must be authorized by the relevant agencies of the state in which it is located and, in some cases, other states. Requirements for authorization vary substantially among the states. State authorization and accreditation by an accrediting agency recognized by the ED are also required for an institution to participate in the federal student financial aid programs. Loss of state authorization or accreditation by any of the Company’s Campuses, depending on the size of the Campus, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

Failure to effectively manage the Company’s growth could harm the Company’s business.

 

The Company expects to acquire new Campuses as a component of its strategy for growth. The Company regularly engages in evaluations of possible acquisition candidates, including evaluations relating to acquisitions that may be material in size and/or scope. There can be no assurance that the Company will continue to be able to identify educational institutions that provide suitable acquisition opportunities or to acquire any such institutions on favorable terms. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that any acquired institutions can be successfully integrated into the Company’s operations or be operated profitably. Acquisitions involve a number of special risks and challenges, including the diversion of management’s attention, assimilation of the operations and personnel of acquired companies, adverse short-term effects on reported operating results, possible loss of key employees and difficulty of presenting a unified corporate image. Continued growth through acquisition may also subject the Company to unanticipated business or regulatory uncertainties or liabilities.

 

Opening new Campuses and adding new services could be difficult for the Company.

 

The Company expects to develop, open and operate new Campuses, most likely as additional locations of existing Campuses. Establishing additional locations would pose unique challenges and require the Company to make investments in management, capital expenditures, marketing expenses and other resources. Because the Company has not yet established any new additional locations, there can be no certainty as to the Company’s ability to be successful in any such endeavor. Any failure of the Company to effectively manage the operations of newly established Campuses could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Failure to keep pace with changing market needs and technology could harm the Company’s business.

 

Prospective employers of the Company’s graduates increasingly demand that their entry-level employees possess appropriate technological skills. Educational programs at the Company’s Campuses must keep pace with these evolving requirements. If the Company cannot respond to changes in industry requirements, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition. Competitors with greater resources could harm the Company’s business. The postsecondary education market is highly competitive. The Company’s Campuses compete with traditional public and private two-year and four-year colleges and universities and other proprietary schools, including those that offer distance learning programs. Some public and private colleges and universities, as well as other private career-oriented schools, may offer programs similar to those of the Company’s Campuses. Although tuition at private nonprofit institutions is, on average, higher than tuition at the Company’s Campuses, some public institutions are able to charge lower tuition than the Company’s Campuses, due in part to government subsidies, government and foundation grants, tax-deductible contributions and other financial sources not available to proprietary schools. Some of the Company’s competitors in both the public and private sectors have substantially greater financial and other resources than the Company.

 

Failure to obtain additional capital in the future could reduce the Company’s ability to grow.

 

No assurance can be given that the Company will be able to obtain adequate funding to complete any potential acquisition or new Campus opening or that such an acquisition or opening will succeed in enhancing the Company’s business and will not ultimately have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

A Number of the Company’s Shares of Common Stock Will be Eligible for Future Sale, Which May Cause the Company’s Stock Price to Decline.

 

The exercise of substantial amounts of options or registration of common stock or the perception that such sales or registration might occur could cause the market price of the Company’s Common Stock to decline. On December 31, 2003, the Company had 5,963,030 shares of the Company’s Common Stock outstanding. As of December 31, 2003, options to purchase

 

Part I – Page 9


532,318 shares of the Company’s Common Stock were outstanding, of which approximately 237,000 were exercisable as of such date at an average exercise price of $3.92. This concentration of stock options, relative to the amount of Common Stock outstanding, if exercised, will have a dilutive effect on the Company’s earnings per share which could adversely affect the market price of the Company’s Common Stock. From time to time, the Company may issue additional options to the Company’s employees under the Company’s existing stock option plan and under any new plans the Company may adopt.

 

The Company entered into agreements on February 25, 1997 with Cahill, Warnock Strategic Partners Fund, LP and Strategic Associates, LP, affiliated Baltimore-based venture capital funds (“Cahill-Warnock”), for the issuance by the Company and purchase by Cahill-Warnock of 55,147 shares of the Company’s new Class B Voting Convertible Preferred Stock (“Voting Preferred Stock”) for $1.5 million, and 5% Debentures due 2003 (“New Debentures”) for $3.5 million (collectively, the “Cahill Transaction”). Cahill-Warnock subsequently assigned (with the Company’s consent) its rights and obligations to acquire 1,838 shares of Voting Preferred Stock to James Seward, a Director of the Company. Mr. Seward purchased such shares for their purchase price of approximately $50,000. On September 30, 2001, Mr. Seward converted his 1,838 shares of Voting Preferred Stock into 18,380 shares of Common Stock. The New Debentures had nondetachable warrants (“Warrants”) for approximately 1,286,765 shares of Common Stock, exercisable at $2.72 per share of Common Stock. The following transactions have occurred with respect to the Voting Preferred Stock and New Debentures since December 31, 2001:

 

(1) The Company entered into a Conversion and Exchange Agreement with Cahill, Warnock Strategic Partners Fund, L.P. and Strategic Association, L.P. (collectively, “Cahill-Warnock”) on November 25, 2002. The purpose of the agreement was to convert the Voting Preferred Stock into Common Stock.

 

(2) The Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 to register 1,133,090 shares of common stock. The Registration Statement was effective February 5, 2003. The Company received no funds as a result of the registration or subsequent distribution of common stock. Six hundred thousand (600,000) shares of the common stock were issued and outstanding as of the date of the Registration Statement. The Robert F. Brozman Trust held 350,000 shares, Cahill, Warnock Strategic Partners Fund, L.P. held 237,000 shares, and Strategic Associates, L.P. held 13,000 shares. The remaining 533,090 shares related to common shares issued upon conversion of the preferred stock to common stock.

 

(3) The Securities and Exchange Commission declared the Registration Statement effective February 5, 2003.

 

(4) Cahill-Warnock exchanged their 53,309 shares of Class B Voting Convertible Preferred Stock for 533,090 shares of Common Stock on February 7, 2003. The Company has no remaining Preferred Stock outstanding.

 

(5) The Company paid to Cahill-Warnock a dividend equal to $4.08 per share of the Class B Voting Convertible Preferred Stock on February 7, 2003. This constituted all dividend payments owed to Cahill-Warnock including the fourth quarter 2002 dividend of $43,500 and a special dividend to encourage the conversion of $174,000.

 

(6) Cahill-Warnock exercised the non-detachable Warrants on February 19, 2003, at which time they were cancelled.

 

(7) The Company issued 1,286,764 shares of Common Stock to Cahill-Warnock pursuant to the exercise of the Warrants and the New Debentures were cancelled, effective February 19, 2003.

 

(The remainder of this page left blank intentionally.)

 

Part I – Page 10


Item 2. Properties

 

The Company’s corporate office is located in Mission, Kansas. All Company buildings and facilities are leased.

 

The Company purchased a parcel of land to construct a parking lot for the Tampa Campus in December 2002. The land is recorded on the balance sheet at its purchase price of $231,000.

 

The following table sets forth the location, approximate square footage and expiration of lease terms for each of the Campuses as of December 31, 2003:

 

Locations


   Square
Footage


   Expiration (1)

Garden Grove, CA

   25,931    9-30-14

North Hollywood, CA

   35,155    7-31-11

San Bernardino, CA

   33,000    4-26-13

San Diego, CA (2)

   25,160    12-31-18

Denver, CO (3)

   19,438    7-31-04

Denver, CO (4)

   30,000    12-31-13

Lauderdale Lakes, FL

   25,838    5-31-07

Jacksonville, FL

   21,147    12-31-09

Tampa, FL

   17,257    12-31-11

Kansas City, MO

   24,214    2-28-06

Mission, KS (Corporate Office)

   14,384    7-31-06

Portland, OR

   17,049    10-31-04

Memphis, TN

   35,525    8-31-08

Arlington, Texas

   26,639    6-30-13

 

(1) Several of the leases provide renewal options, although renewals may be at increased rental rates.

 

(2) The Company moved its San Diego location in January 2004. The lease term began January 1, 2004.

 

(3) The Company is obligated for lease payments until July 31, 2004 even though it will move the Campus to a new facility during the first quarter of 2004.

 

(4) The Company signed a ten year lease in a new facility with approximately 30,000 square feet. The lease payments begin January 1, 2004. The Company anticipates moving in the first quarter of 2004.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

 

The Company issued from time to time by a student or students who claim to be dissatisfied with the results of their program of study. Typically, the claims allege a breach of contract; deceptive advertising and misrepresentation and the student or students seek reimbursement of tuition. Punitive damages sometimes are also sought. In addition, ED may allege regulatory violations found during routine program reviews. The Company has, and will continue to dispute these findings as appropriate in the normal course of business. In the opinion of the Company’s management, resolution of such pending litigation and disputed findings will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or its results of operation.

 

The Company is not aware of any material violation by the Company of applicable local, state and federal laws.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. – None

 

Part I – Page 11


PART II

 

Item 5. Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

 

The Company’s common stock (“Common Stock”) is currently traded under the symbol “CCDC” on the NASDAQ SmallCap Market. The following table sets forth the high and low closing price reported at the end of the trading day, for the periods indicated as reported by NASDAQ. All price amounts below have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the Reverse Stock Split that occurred on November 21, 2001. The Company’s stock was listed on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board (“OTCBB”) pri