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8-K - 8-K - UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE INCq12017earningsrelease8-k.htm



Universal Technical Institute Reports Fiscal Year 2017 First Quarter Results
Achieved $1.4 Million Operating Income, Reflecting $9.2 Million Cost Savings from Implementation of Financial Improvement Plan


SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. - February 1, 2017 - Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI), the leading provider of automotive technician training, reported financial results for the fiscal 2017 first quarter ended December 31, 2016.

Kim McWaters, UTI’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated: “During the fiscal first quarter, we made significant progress implementing our financial improvement plan and achieving $1.4 million in operating income. We streamlined our cost structure and are currently on track to save over $30 million annually. Additionally, our Long Beach campus continued to meet our performance expectations demonstrating the success of our smaller campus strategy.

"We are squarely focused on the front end of our business, with the goal of balancing the quantity of inquiries with the quality of candidates. As we worked to optimize marketing in the first quarter, we experienced some short-term challenges that impacted first quarter inquiries and enrollments. The marketing adjustments we made in December are now positively impacting inquiry volume, supporting our goal to grow new student starts in the second half of the year.”

Financial Results for the Fiscal First Quarter: 2017 Compared to 2016
Revenues were $84.2 million, compared to $89.8 million for the prior year period. Revenues exclude tuition related to students participating in the company's proprietary loan program, which were $5.0 million and $5.7 million for the first fiscal quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively. This tuition will be recognized as revenues when payments are received.
Operating expenses were $82.8 million, compared to $92.0 million for the prior year period. The $9.2 million decrease is largely due to lower compensation and improved operating efficiencies pursuant to the implementation of the Financial Improvement Plan; the savings were partially offset by $1.3 million in severance charges related to a November 2016 reduction in workforce.
Operating income was $1.4 million, compared to an operating loss of $2.2 million for the prior year period. The improvement reflects the aforementioned significant cost reduction and $0.8 million in operating income from the Long Beach campus, which opened in August 2015.
UTI recorded a preferred stock cash dividend of $1.3 million for the three-months ended December 31, 2016 in accordance with the company’s Series A Preferred Stock purchase agreement.
Income tax expense was $2.6 million reflecting a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets, compared to an income tax benefit of $0.9 million for the prior year period. The company recognized a significant tax expense in the fiscal first quarter of 2017 due to the tax treatment of certain expenses anticipated to be deductible in future years.
Net loss was $1.7 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, compared to $1.7 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, for the prior year period.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for the three months ended December 31, 2016 was $6.3 million, compared to $2.9 million for the prior year period. (See “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information” below.)
Cash, cash equivalents and investments totaled $103.8 million at December 31, 2016, compared to $120.7 million at September 30, 2016. The decrease reflects $11.5 million held in restricted cash related to the collateralization of bonds as well as changes in working capital.


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Student Metrics
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Rounded to hundreds)
Total starts
1,400

 
1,800

Average undergraduate full-time student enrollment
12,000

 
13,300

End of period undergraduate full-time student enrollment
10,800

 
12,300


Fiscal 2017 Outlook
UTI now expects new student starts to be down in the high-single digits. Combined with the number of students currently in school and the timing of the anticipated start growth, the average student population is now projected to be down in the low-double digits as a percentage compared with the prior year period. 
While annual tuition increases will slightly offset the decline in average students, the company expects revenue to be down in the mid-single digits in fiscal 2017.
UTI now expects its Financial Improvement Plan implemented in September 2016 to deliver greater than $30 million in annualized cost savings in fiscal 2017.
Netting the increased cost savings with lower-than-anticipated starts in the fiscal first quarter and early in the second quarter, UTI still expects to generate operating income and significantly improved EBITDA for fiscal 2017.
Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $12.5 million to $13.5 million for the year ending September 30, 2017.

Conference Call
Management will hold a conference call to discuss the 2017 first quarter results on Wednesday, February 1 at 2:30 p.m. MST (4:30 p.m. EST). This call can be accessed by dialing 412-317-6790 or 844-881-0138. Investors are invited to listen to the call live at http://uti.investorroom.com/. Please access the website at least 10 minutes early to register, download and install any necessary audio software. A replay of the call will be available on the Investor Relations section of UTI's website for 60 days or the replay can be accessed through February 13, 2017 by dialing 412-317-0088 or 877-344-7529 and entering pass code 10100225.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information
This press release and the related conference call contains non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) financial measures, which are intended to supplement, but not substitute for, the most directly comparable GAAP measures. Management chooses to disclose to investors, these non-GAAP financial measures because they provide an additional analytical tool to clarify the results from operations and helps to identify underlying trends. Additionally, such measures help compare the Company's performance on a consistent basis across time periods. To obtain a complete understanding of the Company's performance these measures should be examined in connection with net income (loss), determined in accordance with GAAP, as presented in the financial statements and notes thereto included in the annual and quarterly filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Since the items excluded from these measures are significant components in understanding and assessing financial performance under GAAP, these measures should not be considered to be an alternative to net income as a measure of the Company's operating performance or profitability. Exclusion of items in the non-GAAP presentation should not be construed as an inference that these items are unusual, infrequent or non-recurring. Other companies, including other companies in the education industry, may calculate non-GAAP financial measures differently than UTI does, limiting their

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usefulness as a comparative measure across companies. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures are included below.

Safe Harbor Statement
All statements contained herein, other than statements of historical fact, are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Such statements are based upon management's current expectations and are subject to a number of uncertainties that could cause actual performance and results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect the Company's actual results include, among other things, changes to federal and state educational funding, changes to regulations or agency interpretation of such regulations affecting the for-profit education industry, possible failure or inability to obtain regulatory consents and certifications for new or expanding campuses, potential increased competition, changes in demand for the programs offered by UTI, increased investment in management and capital resources, the effectiveness of the recruiting, advertising and promotional efforts, changes to interest rates and unemployment, general economic conditions of the Company and other risks that are described from time to time in the Company's public filings. Further information on these and other potential factors that could affect the financial results or condition may be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in expectations, any changes in events, conditions or circumstances, or otherwise.

About Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) is the leading provider of post-secondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. With more than 200,000 graduates in its 52-year history, UTI offers undergraduate degree and diploma programs at 12 campuses across the United States, as well as manufacturer-specific training programs at dedicated training centers. Through its campus-based school system, UTI provides specialized post-secondary education programs under the banner of several well-known brands, including Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) and NASCAR Technical Institute (NASCAR Tech). For more information visit www.uti.edu.

Company Contact:
Bryce Peterson
Chief Financial Officer
Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
(623) 445-0993

Investor Relations Contact:
Becky Herrick/Kirsten Chapman
LHA Investor Relations
(415) 433-3777
UTI@lhai.com


(Tables Follow)

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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues
 
$
84,179

 
$
89,773

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
Educational services and facilities
 
47,154

 
49,652

Selling, general and administrative
 
35,638

 
42,314

Total operating expenses
 
82,792

 
91,966

Income (loss) from operations
 
1,387

 
(2,193
)
Other (expense) income:
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
 
(749
)
 
(817
)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
 
128

 
135

Other income
 
120

 
254

Total other expense, net
 
(501
)
 
(428
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
886

 
(2,621
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
2,610

 
(941
)
Net loss
 
$
(1,724
)
 
$
(1,680
)
Preferred stock dividends
 
1,323

 

Loss available for distribution
 
$
(3,047
)
 
$
(1,680
)
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
Net loss per share - basic
 
$
(0.12
)
 
$
(0.07
)
Net loss per share - diluted
 
$
(0.12
)
 
$
(0.07
)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
24,625

 
24,234

Diluted
 
24,625

 
24,234

Cash dividends declared per common share
 
$

 
$
0.02


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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Net loss
 
$
(1,724
)
 
$
(1,680
)
Other comprehensive loss (net of tax):
 
 
 
 
Equity interest in investee's unrealized gains (losses) on hedging derivatives, net of taxes
 
(3
)
 
(1
)
Comprehensive loss
 
$
(1,727
)
 
$
(1,681
)


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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
Dec. 31, 2016
 
Sept. 30, 2016
Assets
 
(In thousands)
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
102,859

 
$
119,045

Restricted cash
 
15,066

 
5,956

Investments, current portion
 
968

 
1,691

Receivables, net
 
10,223

 
15,253

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
20,479

 
20,004

Total current assets
 
149,595

 
161,949

Property and equipment, net
 
111,533

 
114,033

Goodwill
 
9,005

 
9,005

Other assets
 
12,040

 
12,172

Total assets
 
$
282,173

 
$
297,159

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
$
30,072

 
$
42,545

Deferred revenue
 
42,208

 
44,491

Accrued tool sets
 
2,953

 
2,938

Dividends payable
 
1,323

 

Financing obligation, current
 
959

 
913

Income tax payable
 
1,991

 

Other current liabilities
 
3,649

 
3,673

Total current liabilities
 
83,155

 
94,560

Deferred tax liabilities
 
3,141

 
3,141

Deferred rent liability
 
8,478

 
8,987

Financing obligation
 
42,881

 
43,141

Other liabilities
 
10,375

 
10,716

Total liabilities
 
148,030

 
160,545

 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 31,490,488 shares issued and 24,625,591 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 31,489,331 shares issued and 24,624,434 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2016
 
3

 
3

Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; 700,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016, liquidation preference of $100 per share, and 700,000 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2016
 

 

Paid-in capital - common
 
183,161

 
182,615

Paid-in capital - preferred
 
68,853

 
68,820

Treasury stock, at cost, 6,864,897 shares as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016
 
(97,388
)
 
(97,388
)
Retained deficit
 
(20,501
)
 
(17,454
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
15

 
18

Total shareholders’ equity
 
134,143

 
136,614

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
282,173

 
$
297,159


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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 
$
(1,724
)
 
$
(1,680
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
3,639

 
3,582

Amortization of assets subject to financing obligation
 
670

 
801

Amortization of held-to-maturity investments
 
3

 
199

Bad debt expense
 
249

 
482

Stock-based compensation
 
548

 
912

Deferred income taxes
 

 
342

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
 
(128
)
 
(135
)
Training equipment credits earned, net
 
(246
)
 
(100
)
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment
 
(16
)
 
25

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Restricted cash
 
(11,147
)
 
(123
)
Receivables
 
2,574

 
463

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
(362
)
 
(1,492
)
Other assets
 

 
(79
)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
(12,644
)
 
(5,122
)
Deferred revenue
 
(2,283
)
 
1,610

Income tax payable/receivable
 
4,198

 
(2,714
)
Accrued tool sets and other current liabilities
 
78

 
(104
)
Deferred rent liability
 
(509
)
 
(449
)
Other liabilities
 
(304
)
 
29

Net cash used in operating activities
 
(17,404
)
 
(3,553
)
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Purchase of property and equipment
 
(1,441
)
 
(2,626
)
Proceeds received upon maturity of investments
 
720

 
9,555

Change in note receivable
 

 
(250
)
Capitalized costs for intangible assets
 

 
(250
)
Return of capital contribution from unconsolidated affiliate
 
118

 
119

Restricted cash: proprietary loan program
 
2,037

 
1,151

Net cash provided by investing activities
 
1,434

 
7,699

Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Payment of common stock cash dividends
 

 
(970
)
Payment of financing obligation
 
(214
)
 
(169
)
Payment of payroll taxes on stock-based compensation through shares withheld
 
(2
)
 
(2
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(216
)
 
(1,141
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
(16,186
)
 
3,005

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
 
119,045

 
29,438

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
102,859

 
$
32,443


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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(UNAUDITED)

Reconciliation of Net Loss to EBITDA
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(In thousands)
Net loss
 
$
(1,724
)
 
$
(1,680
)
Interest expense, net
 
749

 
817

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
2,610

 
(941
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
4,639

 
4,685

EBITDA
 
$
6,274

 
$
2,881



Reconciliation of Income (Loss) from Operations Impact of Severance Costs and Long Beach, California Campus
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(In thousands)
Income (loss) from operations, as reported
 
$
1,387

 
$
(2,193
)
Severance costs
 
1,284

 

Long Beach, California campus (income) loss from operations
 
(817
)
 
1,408

Income (loss) from operations, adjusted for severance costs and Long Beach, California campus
 
$
1,854

 
$
(785
)


Reconciliation of Loss Per Share Impact of Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(In thousands)
Loss available for distribution
 
$
(3,047
)
 
$
(1,680
)
Income tax expense related to increase in deferred tax asset valuation allowance

2,139



Loss available for distribution, adjusted for deferred tax asset valuation allowance

$
(908
)

$
(1,680
)





Diluted loss per share, as reported
 
$
(0.12
)
 
$
(0.07
)
Diluted loss per share, adjusted for deferred tax asset valuation allowance

$
(0.04
)

$
(0.07
)





Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

24,625


24,234





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Reconciliation of Loss Per Share Impact of Severance Costs
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(In thousands)
Loss available for distribution
 
$
(3,047
)
 
$
(1,680
)
Severance costs
 
$
1,284

 
$

Less: tax effects of severance costs
 
(494
)
 

Loss available for distribution, adjusted for severance costs
 
$
(2,257
)
 
$
(1,680
)
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted loss per share, as reported
 
$
(0.12
)
 
$
(0.07
)
Diluted loss per share, adjusted for severance costs
 
$
(0.09
)
 
$
(0.07
)
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
 
24,625

 
24,234



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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
(UNAUDITED)

Selected Supplemental Financial Information
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(In thousands)
Salaries expense
 
$
35,796

 
$
39,182

Employee benefits and tax
 
7,504

 
8,438

Bonus expense
 
1,787

 
1,295

Stock-based compensation
 
548

 
912

Total compensation and related costs
 
$
45,635

 
$
49,827

 
 
 
 
 
Occupancy expense
 
$
9,548

 
$
9,729

Depreciation and amortization expense
 
$
4,639

 
$
4,685

Bad debt expense
 
$
249

 
$
482




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