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Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010

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: 001-33140

 

 

CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Minnesota   41-1717955

(State or other jurisdiction of

Incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

Capella Tower

225 South Sixth Street, 9th Floor

Minneapolis, Minnesota

  55402
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

(888) 227-3552

(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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

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

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

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

The total number of shares of common stock outstanding as of October 21, 2010, was 16,537,138.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

 

CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY

FORM 10-Q

INDEX

 

         Page  
  PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1

 

Financial Statements

     3   

Item 2

 

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

     12   

Item 3

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     17   

Item 4

 

Controls and Procedures

     17   
  PART II – OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1

 

Legal Proceedings

     18   

Item 1A

 

Risk Factors

     18   

Item 2

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     18   

Item 3

 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

     18   

Item 4

 

Removed and Reserved

     19   

Item 5

 

Other Information

     19   

Item 6

 

Exhibits

     20   

SIGNATURES

     21   

 

2


Table of Contents

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except par value)

 

     As of September  30,
2010
     As of December  31,
2009
 
     (Unaudited)         
ASSETS      

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 79,098       $ 102,405   

Marketable securities

     98,522         69,670   

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $3,884 at September 30, 2010 and $2,362 at December 31, 2009

     17,202         12,691   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     13,293         6,564   

Deferred income taxes

     2,166         2,186   
                 

Total current assets

     210,281         193,516   

Property and equipment, net

     44,334         37,984   
                 

Total assets

   $ 254,615       $ 231,500   
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY      

Current liabilities:

     

Accounts payable

   $ 4,624       $ 5,027   

Accrued liabilities

     27,787         24,328   

Income taxes payable

     —           61   

Deferred revenue

     9,080         7,876   
                 

Total current liabilities

     41,491         37,292   

Deferred rent

     3,353         2,952   

Other liabilities

     434         434   

Deferred income taxes

     6,351         6,556   
                 

Total liabilities

     51,629         47,234   

Shareholders’ equity:

     

Common stock, $0.01 par value:

     

Authorized shares — 100,000

     

Issued and outstanding shares —16,531 at September 30, 2010 and 16,763 at December 31, 2009

     165         168   

Additional paid-in capital

     127,232         151,445   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     1,055         1,333   

Retained earnings

     74,534         31,320   
                 

Total shareholders’ equity

     202,986         184,266   
                 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 254,615       $ 231,500   
                 

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

 

3


Table of Contents

 

CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Income

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2010      2009      2010      2009  
     (Unaudited)  

Revenues

   $ 105,010       $ 83,569       $ 311,400       $ 240,100   

Costs and expenses:

           

Instructional costs and services

     43,035         34,819         122,196         99,451   

Marketing and promotional

     29,584         24,927         88,139         73,332   

General and administrative

     11,384         9,279         34,361         26,331   
                                   

Total costs and expenses

     84,003         69,025         244,696         199,114   
                                   

Operating income

     21,007         14,544         66,704         40,986   

Other income, net

     504         529         1,530         1,917   
                                   

Income before income taxes

     21,511         15,073         68,234         42,903   

Income tax expense

     8,033         5,290         25,020         15,244   
                                   

Net income

   $ 13,478       $ 9,783       $ 43,214       $ 27,659   
                                   

Net income per common share:

           

Basic

   $ 0.81       $ 0.59       $ 2.58       $ 1.66   
                                   

Diluted

   $ 0.80       $ 0.57       $ 2.55       $ 1.62   
                                   

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

           

Basic

     16,634         16,718         16,728         16,707   
                                   

Diluted

     16,807         17,022         16,954         17,038   
                                   

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

 

4


Table of Contents

 

CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2010     2009  
     (Unaudited)  

Operating activities

    

Net income

   $ 43,214      $ 27,659   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Provision for bad debts

     6,314        5,372   

Depreciation and amortization

     13,502        10,641   

Amortization of investment premium

     1,440        1,255   

Asset impairment

     18        34   

Stock-based compensation

     2,438        2,484   

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

     (4,144     (2,384

Deferred income taxes

     (21     (248

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     (10,825     (6,828

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (3,050     (1,352

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     2,311        9,239   

Income taxes payable

     7        219   

Deferred rent

     401        1,586   

Deferred revenue

     1,204        1,720   
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     52,809        49,397   

Investing activities

    

Capital expenditures

     (19,244     (11,907

Purchases of marketable securities

     (37,884     —     

Sales and maturities of marketable securities

     7,150        20,185   
                

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     (49,978     8,278   

Financing activities

    

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

     4,144        2,384   

Net proceeds from exercise of stock options

     6,175        4,943   

Repurchase of common stock

     (36,457     (14,729
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (26,138     (7,402
                

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (23,307     50,273   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     102,405        31,225   
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 79,098      $ 81,498   
                

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information

    

Income taxes paid

   $ 25,059      $ 15,294   
                

Noncash transactions:

    

Purchase of equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 1,760      $ 981   
                

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

 

5


Table of Contents

 

CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

1. Nature of Business

Capella Education Company (the Company) was incorporated on December 27, 1991. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Capella University, the Company manages its business on the basis of one operating segment. Capella University is an online postsecondary education services company that offers a variety of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs primarily delivered to working adults. Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and Capella University, after elimination of all intercompany accounts and transactions.

Unaudited Interim Financial Information

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary to present a fair statement of our consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows. Operating results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. Preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and footnotes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 (2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K).

Marketable Securities

Management determines the appropriate designation of marketable securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. All of the Company’s marketable securities were designated as available-for-sale as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

Available-for-sale marketable securities are carried at fair value as determined by quoted market prices or other inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace for identical or similar assets, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Management reviews the fair value of the portfolio at least monthly, and evaluates individual securities with fair values below amortized cost at the balance sheet date. In order to determine whether an impairment is other than temporary, management must conclude whether they intend to sell the impaired security and whether it is more likely than not that they will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis. If management intends to sell an impaired debt security or it is more likely than not they will be required to sell prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, an other-than-temporary impairment is deemed to have occurred. The amount of the other-than-temporary impairment related to a credit loss or impairments on securities that management has the intent to sell before recovery are recognized in earnings. The amount of the other-than-temporary impairment on debt securities related to other factors is recorded consistent with changes in the fair value of all other available-for-sale securities as a component of shareholders’ equity in other comprehensive income or loss.

The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Amortization of premiums, accretion of discounts, interest and dividend income and realized gains and losses are included in investment income. The Company classifies all marketable securities as current assets because the assets are available to fund current operations.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

6


Table of Contents

CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Contingencies

The Company accrues for costs associated with contingencies including, but not limited to, regulatory compliance and legal matters when such costs are probable and reasonably estimable. Liabilities established to provide for contingencies are adjusted as further information develops, circumstances change, or contingencies are resolved. The Company bases these accruals on management’s best estimate of such costs, which may vary from the ultimate cost and expenses associated with any such contingency.

Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated events and transactions that occurred during the period subsequent to the balance sheet date. There have been no subsequent events that require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes net income and all changes in the Company’s equity during a period from non-owner sources which consists exclusively of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale marketable securities, net of tax. Total comprehensive income was $42.9 million and $28.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, which is included in the Codification under ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”). This update requires the disclosure of transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value measurement hierarchy. The guidance also requires disclosures about the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value and became effective for the Company’s interim and annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or disclosures.

3. Net Income Per Common Share

Basic net income per common share is based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Dilutive shares are computed using the Treasury Stock method and include the incremental effect of shares that would be issued upon the assumed exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock.

The table below is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator in the basic and diluted net income per common share calculation.

 

     Three Months  Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months  Ended
September 30,
 
     2010      2009      2010      2009  
     (in thousands, except per share data)  

Numerator:

           

Net income

   $ 13,478       $ 9,783       $ 43,214       $ 27,659   

Denominator:

           

Denominator for basic net income per common share — weighted average shares outstanding

     16,634         16,718         16,728         16,707   

Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock

     173         304         226         331   
                                   

Denominator for diluted net income per common share

     16,807         17,022         16,954         17,038   
                                   

Basic net income per common share

   $ 0.81       $ 0.59       $ 2.58       $ 1.66   

Diluted net income per common share

   $ 0.80       $ 0.57       $ 2.55       $ 1.62   

Options to purchase 0.1 million and 0.3 million common shares were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted net income per common share in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, because their effect would be antidilutive.

 

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Table of Contents

CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

4. Marketable Securities

The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities:

 

     September 30, 2010  
     Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)
    Estimated
Fair
Value
 
     (in thousands)  

Tax-exempt municipal securities

   $ 96,845       $ 1,686       $ (9   $ 98,522   
                                  

Total

   $ 96,845       $ 1,686       $ (9   $ 98,522   
                                  
     December 31, 2009  
     Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
(Losses)
    Estimated
Fair
Value
 
     (in thousands)  

Tax-exempt municipal securities

   $ 67,551       $ 2,119       $ 0      $ 69,670   
                                  

Total

   $ 67,551       $ 2,119       $ 0      $ 69,670   
                                  

The unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s investments in municipal securities were caused by changes in market values primarily due to interest rate changes. All of the Company’s securities in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2010 had been in an unrealized loss position for less than twelve months. The Company intends to hold these securities until maturity and the possibility that the Company will be required to sell these securities prior to the recovery of their amortized cost basis is remote. Based on a review of all relevant information such as revised estimates of cash flows and specific conditions affecting the investment, the Company expects to recover the entire amortized cost basis of these securities. Therefore, there were no other-than-temporary impairment charges recorded during the first nine months of 2010 or 2009.

The remaining contractual maturities of the Company’s marketable securities are shown below:

 

     As of
September 30,
2010
     As of
December 31,
2009
 
     (in thousands)  

Due within one year

   $ 29,083       $ 2,038   

Due after one year through five years

     55,452         47,827   

Due after six through ten years

     6,213         5,095   

Due after ten years

     7,774         14,710   
                 
   $ 98,522       $ 69,670   
                 

The following table is a summary of the proceeds from the sale and maturities of available-for-sale securities, the gross realized gains and the gross realized losses on sales of investments classified as available-for-sale included in earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

 

     Three Months  Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months  Ended
September 30,
 
     2010      2009      2010      2009  
     (in thousands)  

Maturities of marketable securities

   $ 6,150       $ 12,775       $ 6,150       $ 19,185   

Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities

     1,000         1,000         1,000         1,000   
                                   
   $ 7,150       $ 13,775       $ 7,150       $ 20,185   
                                   

Gross realized gains

     —           —           —           —     

Gross realized losses

     —           —           —           —     

 

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Table of Contents

CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The Company classifies assets recorded at fair value under the fair value hierarchy based upon the observability of inputs used in valuation techniques. Observable inputs (highest level) reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs (lowest level) reflect internally developed market assumptions. The fair value measurements are classified under the following hierarchy:

 

   

Level 1 Observable inputs that reflect quoted market prices (unadjusted) for identical assets and liabilities in active markets;

 

   

Level 2 – Observable inputs, other than quoted market prices, that are either directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace for identical or similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets and liabilities; and

 

   

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity that are significant to the fair value of assets or liabilities.

When available, the Company uses quoted market prices to determine fair value, and such measurements are classified within Level 1. In some cases where market prices are not available, the Company makes use of observable market-based inputs to calculate fair value, in which case the measurements are classified within Level 2. Currently, the Company does not have any measurements that are classified within Level 3.

The following tables summarize certain fair value information for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

 

            Fair Value Measurements as of September 30, 2010  Using  

Description

   Fair Value      Quoted Prices in
Active  Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable  Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable  Inputs
(Level 3)
 
     (in thousands)  

Cash and cash equivalents

           

Money market funds

   $ 26,591       $ 26,591       $ 0       $ 0   

Variable rate demand notes

     52,507         52,507         0         0   
                                   

Total cash and cash equivalents

   $ 79,098       $ 79,098       $ 0       $ 0   
                                   

Marketable securities

           

Tax-exempt municipal securities

   $ 98,522       $ 0       $ 98,522       $ 0   
                                   

Total marketable securities

   $ 98,522       $ 0       $ 98,522       $ 0   
                                   
            Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2009  Using  

Description

   Fair Value      Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable  Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable  Inputs
(Level 3)
 
     (in thousands)  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 102,405       $ 102,405       $ 0       $ 0   
                                   

Tax-exempt municipal securities

   $ 69,670       $ 0       $ 69,670       $ 0   
                                   

The Company measures cash and cash equivalents at fair value primarily using real-time quotes for transactions in active exchange markets involving identical assets. The variable rate demand notes contain a feature allowing the Company to require payment by the issuer on a daily or weekly basis. As a result, these securities are highly liquid and are classified as cash and cash equivalents. The Company’s marketable securities are classified within Level 2 and are valued using readily available pricing sources for comparable instruments utilizing market observable inputs. The Company does not hold securities in inactive markets. The Company did not have any transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value measurement hierarchy during the first nine months of 2010.

 

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CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company did not have any liabilities that were required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

5. Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of the following:

 

     As of
September 30,
2010
     As of
December 31,
2009
 
     (in thousands)  

Accrued compensation and benefits

   $ 9,797       $ 10,013   

Accrued instructional

     3,782         2,817   

Accrued vacation

     2,468         1,571   

Customer deposits

     729         779   

Other

     11,011         9,148   
                 
   $ 27,787       $ 24,328   
                 

“Other” in the table above consists primarily of vendor invoices accrued in the normal course of business.

6. Commitments and Contingencies

Leasehold Agreements

The Company leases its office facilities and certain office equipment under various noncancelable operating leases and has contractual obligations related to certain software license agreements. Future minimum lease commitments under the leases as of September 30, 2010, are as follows:

 

     Operating  
     (in thousands)  

2010

   $ 1,244   

2011

     6,043   

2012

     6,838   

2013

     6,729   

2014

     6,920   

2015 and thereafter

     5,912   
        

Total

   $ 33,686   
        

The Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the leases, although the leases may include escalation clauses that provide for lower rent payments at the start of the lease term and higher lease payments at the end of the lease term. Cash and lease incentives received from lessors are recognized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent expense from the date the Company takes possession of the property through the end of the lease term. The Company records the unamortized portion of the incentive as a part of deferred rent, in accrued liabilities or long-term liabilities, as appropriate.

Line of Credit

The Company maintains a $10.0 million unsecured line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank, which expires on July 31, 2011. There were no borrowings under this line of credit as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 or as of and for the year ended December 31, 2009. In July 2009, an unsecured letter of credit in the amount of $1.4 million was issued under the $10.0 million line of credit in favor of the Department of Education in connection with its 2008 annual review of student lending activities. In July 2010, the Company increased the letter of credit from $1.4 million to $1.6 million to reflect the increase in the Title IV return of funds in 2009 and 2010. Regulations require that a Company experience two consecutive annual Title IV compliance audits with no findings to terminate a letter of credit.

Litigation

In the ordinary conduct of business, the Company is subject to various lawsuits and claims covering a wide range of matters including, but not limited to, claims involving learners or graduates and routine employment matters. The Company does not believe that the outcome of any pending claims will have a material adverse impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

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CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

7. Common Stock

In July 2008, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the Company to repurchase up to $60.0 million of shares of common stock with no expiration date. In August 2010, we had $14.4 million remaining authorized repurchases under the program. The Company received authorization from the Board of Directors for an additional $60.6 million in repurchases, resulting in a total authorization for additional repurchases up to an aggregate amount of $75.0 million in value of common stock. As of September 30, 2010, the Company had repurchased 0.9 million shares under this program for total consideration of $59.5 million. On September 30, 2010 the Company had $61.2 million outstanding for repurchase.

The Company repurchased 0.5 million shares for total consideration of $36.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 0.3 million shares for a total consideration of $14.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Cash spent during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 on the purchase of shares totaled $36.5 million.

8. Stock-Based Compensation

The table below reflects the Company’s stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

 

     Three Months
Ended September 30,
     Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
     2010      2009      2010      2009  
     (in thousands)      (in thousands)  

Instructional costs and services

   $ 334       $ 258       $ 733       $ 690   

Marketing and promotional

     125         104         286         312   

General and administrative

     613         581         1,419         1,482   
                                   

Stock-based compensation expense included in operating income

     1,072         943         2,438         2,484   

Tax benefit

     398         326         909         814   
                                   

Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax

   $ 674       $ 617       $ 1,529       $ 1,670   
                                   

9. Regulatory Supervision and Oversight

Capella University is subject to extensive regulation by federal and state governmental agencies and accrediting bodies. In particular, the Higher Education Act (HEA) and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) subject Capella University to significant regulatory scrutiny on the basis of numerous standards that schools must satisfy to participate in the various types of federal learner financial assistance under Title IV Programs.

To participate in the Title IV Programs, an institution must be authorized to offer its programs of instruction by the relevant agencies of the state in which it is located, accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the DOE and certified as eligible by the DOE. The DOE will certify an institution to participate in the Title IV Programs only after the institution has demonstrated compliance with the HEA and the DOE’s extensive academic, administrative, and financial regulations regarding institutional eligibility. An institution must also demonstrate its compliance with these requirements to the DOE on an ongoing basis.

The Company performs periodic reviews and self audits of its compliance with the various applicable regulatory requirements. The Company has not been notified by any of the various regulatory agencies of any significant noncompliance matters that would adversely impact its ability to participate in Title IV programs, however, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) has conducted a compliance audit of Capella University. The audit commenced on April 10, 2006 and we subsequently provided the OIG with periodic information, responded to follow up inquiries and facilitated site visits and provided access to Capella University’s records. The OIG completed its field work in January 2007 and Capella University received a draft audit report on August 23, 2007. Capella University provided written comments on the Draft Report to the OIG on September 25, 2007. On March 7, 2008, the OIG’s final report was issued to the Acting Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Federal Student Aid (FSA), which is responsible for primary oversight of the Title IV funding programs. Capella University responded to the final report on April 8, 2008. In 2009, Capella University provided FSA staff with certain additional requested information for financial aid years 2002-2003 through 2006-2007. The FSA will subsequently issue final findings and requirements for Capella University. The FSA may take certain actions, including requiring that we refund certain federal student aid funds, requiring us to modify our Title IV administration procedures, and/or requiring us to pay fines or penalties.

Based on the final audit report for the financial aid years 2002-2003 through 2004-2005, the most significant potential financial exposure from the audit pertains to repayments to the Department of Education that could be required if the OIG concludes that

 

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CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Capella University did not properly calculate the amount of Title IV funds required to be returned for learners that withdrew without providing an official notification of such withdrawal and without engaging in academic activity prior to such withdrawal. If it is determined that Capella University improperly withheld any portion of these funds, Capella University would be required to return the improperly withheld funds. The Company and the OIG have differing interpretations of the relevant regulations regarding what constitutes engagement in the unofficial withdrawal context. As the Company interprets the engagement requirement, it currently estimates that for the three-year audit period, and for the subsequent aid years through 2007-2008, the total amount of Title IV funds not returned — for learners who withdrew without providing official notification and without engaging as required in the relevant regulations — was approximately $1.0 million including interest, but not including fines and penalties. If this difference of interpretation is ultimately resolved in a manner adverse to the Company, then the total amount of Title IV funds not returned for learners who withdrew without providing official notification would be greater than the amount the Company has currently estimated.

Political and budgetary concerns significantly affect the Title IV Programs. Congress reauthorizes the HEA and other laws governing Title IV Programs approximately every five to eight years. The last reauthorization of the HEA was completed in August 2008. Additionally, Congress reviews and determines appropriations for Title IV programs on an annual basis through the budget and appropriations processes. As of September 30, 2010, programs in which the Company’s learners participate are operative and sufficiently funded.

 

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

The following discussion of our historical results of operations and our liquidity and capital resources should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes that appear elsewhere in this report.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not statements of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”). In addition, certain statements in our future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in press releases, and in oral and written statements made by us or with our approval that are not statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: proposed new programs; regulatory developments; projections, predictions, expectations, estimates or forecasts as to our business, financial and operational results and future economic performance; and statements of management’s goals and objectives and other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Words such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions, as well as statements in future tense, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.

Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those described in “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, as updated in our subsequent reports filed with the SEC, including any updates found in Part II, Item 1A of this or other reports on Form 10-Q. The performance of our business and our securities may be adversely affected by these factors and by other factors common to other businesses and investments, or to the general economy. Forward-looking statements are qualified by some or all of these risk factors. Therefore, you should consider these risk factors with caution and form your own critical and independent conclusions about the likely effect of these risk factors on our future performance. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which statements are made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or circumstances. Readers should carefully review the disclosures and the risk factors described in this and other documents we file from time to time with the SEC.

Overview

Background

We are an exclusively online post-secondary education services company. Our wholly owned subsidiary, Capella University, is a regionally accredited university that offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs primarily for working adults.

We were founded in 1991, and in 1993 we established our wholly owned university subsidiary, then named The Graduate School of America, to offer doctoral and master’s degrees through distance learning programs in management, education, human services and interdisciplinary studies. In 1995, we launched our online format for delivery of our doctoral and master’s degree programs over the Internet. In 1997, our university subsidiary received accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (later renamed The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools). In 1998, we began the expansion of our original portfolio of academic programs by introducing doctoral and master’s degrees in psychology and a

 

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master of business administration degree. In 1999, to expand the reach of our brand in anticipation of moving into the bachelor’s degree market, we changed our name to Capella Education Company and the name of our university to Capella University. In 2000, we introduced our bachelor’s degree completion program in information technology, which provided instruction for the last two years of a four-year bachelor’s degree. In 2001, we introduced our bachelor’s degree completion program in business. In 2004, we introduced our four-year bachelor’s degree programs in business and information technology. In May 2009, we launched the School of Public Service Leadership. At September 30, 2010, we offered over 1,250 courses and 43 degree programs with 137 specializations at the undergraduate and graduate levels to more than 38,000 learners.

In November 2006, we completed an initial public offering of our common stock. In May 2007, we completed a follow-on offering of our common stock. We implemented an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system from 2006 through 2008 in which the final module was implemented in July 2008. During the third quarter of 2008 we commenced a stock repurchase program for up to $60.0 million of our common stock. In August 2010, we had $14.4 million remaining authorized repurchases under the program. We received authorization from our Board of Directors for an additional $60.6 million in repurchases, resulting in a total authorization for additional repurchases up to an aggregate amount of $75.0 million in value of common stock.

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

Our critical accounting policies are disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, there have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2009

The following selected financial data table should be referenced in connection with a review of the discussion of our results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2010:

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,  
     $ (in thousands)     $ Change     % Change     % of Revenue  
     2010     2009     2010 vs. 2009     2010     2009     2010 vs. 2009  

Revenues

   $ 105,010      $ 83,569      $ 21,441        25.7     100     100     0.0

Costs and expenses:

              

Instructional costs and services

     43,035        34,819        8,216        23.6     41.0        41.7        (0.7

Marketing and promotional

     29,584        24,927        4,657        18.7     28.2        29.8        (1.6

General and administrative

     11,384        9,279        2,105        22.7     10.8        11.1        (0.3
                                                  

Total costs and expenses

     84,003        69,025        14,978        21.7     80.0        82.6        (2.6
                                                  

Operating income

     21,007        14,544        6,463        44.4     20.0        17.4        2.6   

Other income, net

     504        529        (25     (4.7 %)      0.5        0.6        (0.1
                                                  

Income before income taxes

     21,511        15,073        6,438        42.7     20.5        18.0        2.5   

Income tax expense

     8,033        5,290        2,743        51.9     7.6        6.3        1.3   
                                                  

Effective Tax Rate

     37.3     35.1          

Net income

   $ 13,478      $ 9,783      $ 3,695        37.8     12.9     11.7     1.2
                                                  

Revenues. The increase in revenues compared to the same quarter in the prior year is primarily driven by 26.6 percentage points from increased enrollments and 2.2 percentage points from the impact of price increases, offset by a 3.1 percentage point decrease from a larger proportion of master’s and bachelor’s learners, who generate less revenue per learner than our doctoral learners. Similar to our historical trends, we expect a continued slight shift in enrollments to a larger proportion of master’s and bachelor’s learners. End-of-period enrollments increased 25.7 percent at September 30, 2010 compared to September 30, 2009. We also expect pressure on new enrollments due primarily to the increasingly challenging market environment and certain changes in our admissions processes.

Instructional costs and services expenses. Our instructional costs and services expenses increased compared to the same quarter in the prior year primarily due to our ongoing investment in faculty, including increased total faculty compensation to support higher enrollments and increased taxes and benefits as a result of our adjunct faculty moving from independent contractor to employee status, and increased hardware and software maintenance expenses due to moving our data center. There was also an increase in depreciation and amortization as a result of increased capital investments in 2010 and 2009 related to the learner experience and academic quality.

Our instructional costs and services expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased primarily due to scale of fixed costs and productivity gains across our faculty and learner support functions, lower facilities expenses as a result of scaling our fixed costs, and lower colloquia costs as a result of overall cost management. This decrease was partially offset by higher expenses due to increased faculty expenses related to adjunct faculty moving from independent contractor to employee status.

 

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Marketing and promotional expenses. Our marketing and promotional expenses increased compared to the same quarter in the prior year, primarily driven by an increase in core marketing efforts and brand advertising focused on improving conversion rates and new enrollment growth, and an increase in investments in our enrollment operations.

Our marketing and promotional expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased compared to prior year primarily as a result of productivity gains in enrollment operations, decreased inquiry spending as a percentage of revenue, particularly in online sources, and strong conversion rates.

General and administrative expenses. Our general and administrative expenses increased compared to prior year primarily due to increased spending on strategic business development and an increase in estimated bonus expense. In addition, expenses were paid related to a settlement of patent infringement litigation initiated by Digital-Vending Services International Inc., which was offset by a recognized gain from an unrelated settlement with one of our insurance carriers for recovery of expenses incurred in prior periods.

Our general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased primarily due to timing in estimated bonus expenses. This decrease was offset by an increase in spending on strategic business development and slightly higher bad debt expense.

Other income. Other income decreased slightly compared to the same quarter in the prior year primarily due to a decrease in interest income levels as a result of lower interest rates during 2010 compared to 2009, partially offset by higher average cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balances.

Income tax expense. Our effective tax rate increased compared to the same quarter in the prior year due to an increase in our state effective tax rate as well as a decrease in the favorable impact of tax-exempt interest.

Net income. Net income increased due to the factors discussed above.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009

The following selected financial data table should be referenced in connection with a review of the discussion of our results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2010:

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     $ (in thousands)     $ Change     % Change     % of Revenue  
     2010     2009     2010 vs. 2009     2010     2009     2010 vs. 2009  

Revenues

   $ 311,400      $ 240,100      $ 71,300        29.7     100     100     0.0

Costs and expenses:

              

Instructional costs and services

     122,196        99,451        22,745        22.9        39.3        41.4        (2.1

Marketing and promotional

     88,139        73,332        14,807        20.2        28.3        30.5        (2.2

General and administrative

     34,361        26,331        8,030        30.5        11.0        11.0        0.0   
                                                  

Total costs and expenses

     244,696        199,114        45,582        22.9        78.6        82.9        (4.3
                                                  

Operating income

     66,704        40,986        25,718        62.7        21.4        17.1        4.3   

Other income, net

     1,530        1,917        (387     (20.2     0.5        0.8        (0.3
                                                  

Income before income taxes

     68,234        42,903        25,331        59.0        21.9        17.9        4.0   

Income tax expense

     25,020        15,244        9,776        64.1        8.0        6.3        1.7   
                                                  

Effective Tax Rate

     36.7     35.5          

Net income

   $ 43,214      $ 27,659      $ 15,555        56.2     13.9     11.6     2.3
                                                  

Revenues. The increase in revenues compared to prior year is primarily driven by 29.6 percentage points from increased enrollments and 3.3 percentage points from the impact of price increases, partially offset by a 3.2 percentage point decrease from a larger proportion of master’s and bachelor’s learners, who generated less revenue per learner than our doctoral learners. Similar to our historical trends, we expect a continued slight shift in enrollments to a larger proportion of master’s and bachelor’s learners. We also expect pressure on new enrollments due primarily to the increasingly challenging market environment and certain changes in our admissions processes.

Instructional costs and services expenses. Our instructional costs and services expenses increased compared to prior year primarily due to our ongoing investment in faculty and learner support, including increased total faculty and learner support compensation to support higher enrollments, increased taxes and benefits as a result of our adjunct faculty moving from independent contractor to employee status, and increased hardware and software maintenance expenses due to moving our data center. There was also an increase in depreciation and amortization as a result of increased capital investments in 2010 and 2009 related to the learner experience and academic quality.

 

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Our instructional costs and services expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased primarily due to scale of fixed costs and productivity gains across our faculty, academic administration, and learner support functions, lower facilities expenses as a result of scaling our fixed costs and the consolidation of our employees to one location in 2009, and lower colloquia costs as a result of overall cost management. This decrease was partially offset by higher expenses due to increased faculty expenses related to adjunct faculty moving from independent contractor to employee status.

Marketing and promotional expenses. Our marketing and promotional expenses increased compared to prior year, primarily driven by an increase in core marketing efforts and brand advertising focused on improving conversion rates and new enrollment growth, and an increase in investments in our enrollment operations.

Our marketing and promotional expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased compared to prior year primarily as a result of fixed cost leverage from strong revenue growth. Also contributing to the improvement were productivity gains in enrollment operations, decreased inquiry spending as a percentage of revenue, particularly in online sources, and strong conversion rates.

General and administrative expenses. Our general and administrative expenses increased compared to prior year primarily due to increased spending on strategic business development and an increase in estimated bonus expense. In addition, expenses were paid related to a settlement of the patent infringement litigation initiated by Digital-Vending Services International Inc., which was offset by a recognized gain from an unrelated settlement from one of our insurance carriers for recovery of expenses incurred in prior periods.

Our general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues remained flat over prior year primarily due to decreases attributable to lower bad debt expense and a decrease in compensation expenses, which resulted from severance recorded in the prior year. In addition, there were executive chairman fees paid to our founding Chief Executive Officer in 2009 as part of his retirement transition. These decreases were offset by an increase in spending on strategic business development and portfolio strategy.

Other income. Other income decreased compared to prior year primarily due to a decrease in interest income levels as a result of lower interest rates during 2010 compared to 2009, partially offset by higher average cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balances.

Income tax expense. Our effective tax rate increased compared to the same quarter in the prior year due to an increase in our state effective tax rate as well as a decrease in the favorable impact of tax-exempt interest.

Net income. Net income increased due to the factors discussed above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

We financed our operations and capital expenditures during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 through cash provided by operating activities. Our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $177.6 million and $172.1 million at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. Our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities increased primarily due to strong cash flow from operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, which was partially offset by capital expenditures and share repurchases.

We maintain a $10.0 million unsecured line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank, which expires on July 31, 2011. There have been no borrowings under this line of credit as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 or as of and for the year ended December 31, 2009. In July 2009, an unsecured letter of credit in the amount of $1.4 million was issued under the $10.0 million line of credit in favor of the Department of Education in connection with its 2008 annual review of student lending activities. In July 2010, the Company increased the letter of credit from $1.4 million to $1.6 million to reflect the increase in the Title IV return of funds in 2009 and 2010. Regulations require that a Company experience two consecutive annual Title IV compliance audits with no findings to terminate a letter of credit.

A significant portion of our revenues are derived from Title IV programs. Federal regulations dictate the timing of disbursements under Title IV programs. Learners must apply for new loans and grants each academic year, which starts July 1. Loan funds are provided through the William D. Ford Direct Loan program in multiple disbursements for each academic year. The disbursements are usually received by the start of the third week of the term. These factors, together with the timing of when our learners begin their programs, affect our operating cash flow. Based on current market conditions and recent regulatory or legislative actions, we do not anticipate any significant near-term disruptions in the availability of Title IV funding for our learners.

Based on our current level of operations and anticipated growth, we believe that our cash flow from operations and other sources of liquidity, including cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, will provide adequate funds for ongoing operations and planned capital expenditures for the foreseeable future. If needed, to fund our operations or to fund strategic investments, we also believe that we could further supplement our liquidity position within the capital markets.

 

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Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $52.8 million and $49.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The increase from 2009 to 2010 was primarily due to a $15.6 million increase in net income and an increase in depreciation and amortization as a result of greater capital expenditures in 2010 and 2009. The increase was partially offset by an increase in excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation due to an increase in stock option exercises, an increase in accounts receivable due to the timing of financial aid disbursements, and changes in accounts payable and accrued liabilities due to timing of invoices and estimated bonus accrual.

Investing Activities

Our cash used in investing activities is primarily related to the purchase, sale, or maturity of investments in marketable securities and property and equipment. Net cash used in investing activities was $50.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and net cash provided by investing activities was $8.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Investments in marketable securities consist primarily of purchases, sales and maturities of tax-exempt municipal securities. Purchases of these securities were $37.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. No purchases of these securities were made during the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Sales and maturities of these securities were $7.2 million and $20.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

We believe that the credit quality and liquidity of our investment portfolio as of September 30, 2010 is strong. Due to current market conditions, the unrealized gains and losses of the portfolio may remain volatile as changes in the general interest rate environment and supply/demand fluctuations of the securities within our portfolio impact daily market valuations. To mitigate the risk associated with this market volatility, we deploy a relatively conservative investment strategy focused on capital preservation and liquidity. But even with this approach, we may incur investment losses as a result of unusual and unpredictable market developments and we may experience reduced investment earnings if the yields on investments deemed to be low risk remain low or decline further due to unpredictable market developments. In addition, these unusual and unpredictable market developments may also create liquidity challenges for certain of the assets in our investment portfolio.

Capital expenditures were $19.2 million and $11.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The increase in 2010 from 2009 was primarily due to investments focused on improving processes around learner financing, faculty, and our internal and external reporting and analytical tools. We expect that our capital expenditures in 2010 will be approximately six percent of revenues and we expect to be able to fund these capital expenditures with cash generated from operations.

We lease all of our facilities. We expect to make future payments on existing leases from cash generated from operations.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $26.1 million and $7.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 were related to the repurchase of common stock in the amount of $36.5 million, partially offset by $6.2 million in proceeds from stock option exercises and $4.1 million in excess tax benefits from stock option exercises.

Financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 were primarily related to the repurchase of common stock in the amount of $14.7 million, partially offset by $4.9 million in proceeds from stock option exercises and $2.4 million in excess tax benefits from stock option exercises.

There have been no material changes to the contractual obligations as disclosed in the “Contractual Obligations” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Regulation and Oversight

We are subject to extensive regulation by federal and state governmental agencies and accrediting bodies. In particular, the Higher Education Act (“HEA”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Department of Education (“DOE”) subject us to significant regulatory scrutiny on the basis of numerous standards that schools must satisfy to participate in Title IV programs.

         Pending Rulemaking by the Department of Education. Under the HEA, proprietary schools are eligible to participate in Title IV programs in respect of educational programs that lead to “gainful employment in a recognized occupation.” Historically, this concept has not been defined in detail. Effective July 26, 2010, the DOE issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) in respect of the gainful employment issue, with a 45-day public comment period. The DOE intended to publish final rules by November 1, 2010, with certain provisions to be effective July 1, 2011 and others July 1, 2012. However, on September 24, 2010 the DOE announced a delay in the publication of certain provisions within the final rule until early 2011. Provisions delayed until early 2011 include the repayment metric and the debt-to-income metric. The delay in publication will postpone the rule’s effective date until July 1, 2012. The provision regarding new program approval is on schedule for final publication by November 1, 2010, with an effective date of July 1, 2011. The proposed definition of gainful employment in the NPRM would take into consideration whether former students are repaying their federal student loans and the relationship between total student loan debt and average earnings after a postsecondary training program with varying hurdles and consequences for not achieving the various ratios. If this regulation is adopted in a form similar to the DOE’s proposal in the NPRM, it could render some programs ineligible for Title IV funding if we do not meet the test to be considered “fully eligible.” Additionally, the provision regarding federal approval of new programs would require institutions to provide 5 year enrollment projections; verification from third-party employers not affiliated with the institution that a program’s curriculum aligns with recognized occupations at those employers’ businesses; and that there are current and projected job vacancies or expected demand for those occupations at those businesses before new programs can become eligible to participate in federal student aid. We are currently evaluating the impact of the proposed rules and will continue to monitor developments in this area.

 

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Title IV Compliance Audit of Capella University. We perform periodic reviews and self audits of our compliance with the various applicable regulatory requirements of the DOE and state regulatory authorities. We have not been notified by any of the various regulatory agencies of any significant noncompliance matters that would adversely impact our ability to participate in Title IV programs, however, the Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) of the DOE has conducted a compliance audit of Capella University. The audit commenced on April 10, 2006 and we subsequently provided the OIG with periodic information, responded to follow up inquiries and facilitated site visits and access to the Company’s records. The OIG completed its field work in January 2007 and the Company received a draft audit report on August 23, 2007. Capella University provided written comments on the draft audit report to the OIG on September 25, 2007. On March 7, 2008, the OIG’s final report was issued to the Acting Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) for Federal Student Aid (“FSA”), which is responsible for primary oversight of the Title IV funding programs. We responded to the final report on April 8, 2008. In 2009, we provided FSA staff with certain requested information for financial aid years 2002-2003 through 2006-2007. The FSA will subsequently issue final findings and requirements for Capella University. The FSA may take certain actions, including requiring that we refund certain federal student aid funds, requiring us to modify our Title IV administration procedures, and/or requiring us to pay fines or penalties.

Based on the final audit report for the financial aid years 2002-2003 through 2004-2005, the most significant potential financial exposure pertains to repayments to the DOE that could be required if the FSA concludes that Capella University did not properly calculate the amount of Title IV funds required to be returned for learners that withdrew without providing an official notification of such withdrawal and without engaging in the course room prior to such withdrawal. If the FSA determines that Capella University improperly withheld any portion of these funds, Capella University would be required to return the improperly withheld funds. We and the OIG have differing interpretations of the relevant regulations regarding what constitutes engagement in the unofficial withdrawal context. As we interpret the engagement requirement, the Company currently estimates that for the three year audit period, and for the subsequent aid years through 2007-2008, the total amount of Title IV funds not returned — for learners who withdrew without providing official notification and without engaging as required in the relevant regulations — was approximately $1.0 million including interest, but not including fines and penalties. If this difference of interpretation is ultimately resolved in a manner adverse to us, then the total amount of Title IV funds not returned for learners who withdrew without providing official notification would be greater than the amount we have currently estimated.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market Risk

We have no derivative financial instruments or derivative commodity instruments. We believe the risk related to cash equivalents and marketable securities is limited due to the adherence to our investment policy, which focuses on capital preservation and liquidity. In addition, all investments must have a minimum Standard & Poor’s rating of A minus (or equivalent). All of our cash equivalents and marketable securities as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were rated A minus or higher. In addition, we utilize money managers who conduct initial and ongoing credit analysis on our investment portfolio to monitor and minimize the potential impact of market risk associated with our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities. Despite the investment risk mitigation strategies we employ, we may incur investment losses as a result of unusual and unpredictable market developments and we may experience reduced investment earnings if the yields on investments deemed to be low risk remain low or decline further in this time of economic uncertainty. In addition, unusual and unpredictable market developments may also create liquidity challenges for certain of the assets in our investment portfolio.

Interest Rate Risk

We manage interest rate risk by investing excess funds in cash equivalents and marketable securities bearing a combination of fixed and variable interest rates, which are tied to various market indices. Our future investment income may fall short of expectations due to changes in interest rates or we may suffer losses in principal if we are forced to sell securities that have declined in market value due to changes in interest rates. At September 30, 2010, a 10% increase or decrease in interest rates would not have a material impact on our future earnings, fair values, or cash flows.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of September 30, 2010, in ensuring that material information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information

 

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required to be disclosed by an issuer in reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including its principal executive officer or officers and principal financial officer or officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are a party to various lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business. We are not at this time a party, as plaintiff or defendant, to any legal proceedings which, individually or in the aggregate, would be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operation.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, as updated in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2010.

 

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

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

None.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we used $36.5 million to repurchase shares of common stock under our repurchase program.(1) Our remaining authorization for common stock repurchases was $61.2 million at September 30, 2010.

A summary of our share repurchases during the quarter is set forth below:

 

Period

   Total Number of
Shares  Purchased
     Average Price Paid
per Share
     Total Number of
Shares  Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
     Dollar Value of  Shares
That May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
 

7/1/2010 to 7/31/2010

     38,000       $ 89.87         38,000       $ 18,259,513   

8/1/2010 to 8/31/2010

     261,550         67.70         261,550         61,215,234   

9/1/2010 to 9/30/2010

     —           —           —           —     
                                   

Total

     299,550       $ 70.51         299,550       $ 61,215,234   

 

(1) Our repurchase program was announced in July 2008 for repurchases up to an aggregate amount of $60.0 million in value of common stock with no expiration date. In August 2010, we had $14.4 million remaining authorized repurchases under the program. We received authorization from our Board of Directors for an additional $60.6 million in repurchases, resulting in a total authorization for additional repurchases up to an aggregate amount of $75.0 million in value of common stock. As of September 30, 2010, we had purchased 0.9 million shares under this program at an average price of $65.21 totaling $59.5 million.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

 

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Item 4. Removed and Reserved

 

Item 5. Other Information

None.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

(a) Exhibits

 

Number

 

Description

 

Method of Filing

  3.1

  Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation.  

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the

Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 11, 2006.

  3.2

  Amended and Restated By-Laws.   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Amendment No. 3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on October 6, 2006.

  4.1

  Specimen of common stock certificate.   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on October 19, 2006.

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to

Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  Filed electronically.

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to

Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  Filed electronically.

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to

18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  Filed electronically.

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to

18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  Filed electronically.

EX-101.INS

  XBRL Instance Document(1)  

EX-101.SCH

  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document(1)  

EX-101.CAL

  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document(1)  

EX-101.DEF

  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document(1)  

EX-101.LAB

  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document(1)  

EX-101.PRE

  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document(1)  

 

* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
(1)

The XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability of that section and shall not be incorporated by reference into any filing or other document pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing or document.

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY

/S/    J. KEVIN GILLIGAN        

   October 26, 2010
J. Kevin Gilligan   
Chief Executive Officer   
(Principal Executive Officer)   

/S/    STEVEN L. POLACEK        

   October 26, 2010
Steven L. Polacek   
Senior Vice President and Chief   
Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)   

/S/    AMY L. RONNEBERG        

   October 26, 2010
Amy L. Ronneberg   
Vice President and Corporate Controller   
(Principal Accounting Officer)   

 

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