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(Mark One)

 

 

 

 

 

             

 

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

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 ☒ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes ☒ No ☐

 

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

☐

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

The total number of shares of common stock outstanding as of May 3, 2024 was 17,575,065.

 

									Three Months Ended March 31,
															2024						2023
									(Unaudited)
Revenue															$	154,432					$	149,689
Costs and expenses:
Instructional costs and services															72,425						73,889
Selling and promotional															32,456						39,924
General and administrative															36,277						33,489
Depreciation and amortization															5,128						7,756
Loss on leases (Note 4)															2,936						—
Loss on disposals of long-lived assets															28						1
Total costs and expenses															149,250						155,059
Income (loss) from operations before interest and income taxes															5,182						(5,370)
Interest expense, net															(126)						(1,779)
Income (loss) before income taxes															5,056						(7,149)
Income tax expense (benefit)															1,213						(1,414)
Equity investment loss															(3,327)						(5)
Net income (loss)															516						$	(5,740)
Preferred stock dividends															1,535						1,457
Net loss available to common stockholders															$	(1,019)					$	(7,197)
Loss per common share:
Basic															$	(0.06)					$	(0.38)
Diluted															$	(0.06)					$	(0.38)
Weighted average number of common shares:
Basic															17,510						18,982
Diluted															17,811						19,072

American Public Education, Inc., or APEI, which together with its subsidiaries is referred to as the “Company,” is a provider of online and campus-based postsecondary education and career learning to students through the following subsidiary institutions:

•American Public University System, Inc., or APUS, provides online postsecondary education directed primarily at the needs of the military, military-affiliated, public service and service-minded communities through American Military University, or AMU, and American Public University, or APU. APUS is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, or HLC.

•Rasmussen College, LLC, which is referred to herein as Rasmussen University, or RU, a nursing- and health sciences-focused institution, provides postsecondary education to students at 21 campuses in six states and online. RU is institutionally accredited by HLC.

•National Education Seminars, Inc., which is referred to herein as Hondros College of Nursing, or HCN, provides nursing education to students at eight campuses in three states. HCN is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau for Health Education Schools, or ABHES.

•American Public Training LLC, which is referred to herein as Graduate School USA, or GSUSA, provides career learning and leadership training in-person and online to the federal workforce. GSUSA is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training, or ACCET.

The Company’s subsidiary institutions are licensed or otherwise authorized by state authorities to offer education programs to the extent the institutions believe such licenses or authorizations are required, and APUS, RU, and HCN are certified by the United States Department of Education, or ED, to participate in student financial aid programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, or Title IV programs.

    The Company’s operations are organized into the following three reportable segments:

•American Public University System Segment, or APUS Segment. This segment reflects the operational activities of APUS.

•Rasmussen University Segment, or RU Segment. This segment reflects the operational activities of RU.

•Hondros College of Nursing Segment, or HCN Segment. This segment reflects the operational activities of HCN.

Adjustments to reconcile segment results to the Consolidated Financial Statements are included in Corporate and Other. These adjustments include unallocated corporate activity and eliminations, and the operational activities of GSUSA. GSUSA operates as a stand-alone subsidiary of APEI but does not meet the quantitative thresholds to qualify as a reportable segment and does not have other requisite characteristics as a reportable segment. Therefore, GSUSA’s results are combined with and presented within Corporate and Other.

Please refer to “Note 8. Segment Information” for more information on the Company’s reporting segments.

A summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies follows:

The accompanying unaudited, interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP.

The Company accounts for business combinations in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 805, Business Combinations, or FASB ASC 805, which requires the acquisition method to be used for all business combinations. Under ASC 805, the assets and liabilities of an acquired company are reported at business fair value along with the fair value of acquired intangible assets at the date of acquisition.

The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of APEI and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

The unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements do not include all the information and notes required by GAAP for audited annual financial statement presentations. In the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary to present a fair statement of the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. Operating results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2024. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, or this Quarterly Report, should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes in its audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, or the Annual Report.

In preparing financial statements in conformity with GAAP, the Company is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The Company evaluates these estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis and bases its estimates on experience, current and expected future conditions and various other assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions, and the impact of such differences may be material to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company considers all short-term highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits with financial institutions, money market funds, and U.S. Treasury bills. Cash and cash equivalents are Level 1 assets in the fair value reporting hierarchy.

Restricted cash includes funds held for students for unbilled educational services that were received from Title IV programs. As a trustee of these Title IV program funds, the Company is required to maintain and restrict these funds pursuant to the terms of the program participation agreement with ED. Restricted cash also includes amounts to secure letters of credit, including $24.9 million in a restricted certificate of deposit account to secure a letter of credit for the benefit of ED on behalf of RU in connection with RU’s 2020 composite score, which is used by ED for determining compliance with financial responsibility standards, being below the minimum required. Restricted cash on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, excluding the restricted certificate of deposit, was $3.0 million and $2.7 million, respectively. Total restricted cash as of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, was $27.9 million and $27.7 million, respectively.

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash as of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, were as follows (in thousands):

Assets held for sale represent excess real property located in Charles Town, West Virginia for the Company’s APUS Segment. Long-lived assets are classified as held for sale when the assets are expected to be sold within the next 12 months and meet the other relevant held for sale criteria. As such, the property is recorded at the lower of the carrying value or fair value, less costs to sell, until such time the asset is sold.

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the amount assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the fair value assigned to identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is not amortized. The Company accounts for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in accordance with FASB ASC 350, Intangibles Goodwill and Other, and Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The Company’s goodwill and intangible assets are deductible for tax purposes.

The Company annually assesses goodwill for impairment in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. Goodwill impairment testing consists of an optional qualitative assessment as well as a quantitative test. The quantitative test compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit is greater than zero and its fair value is greater than its carrying amount, there is no impairment. If the carrying value is greater than the fair value, the difference between the two values is recorded as an impairment.

Indefinite-lived and finite-lived intangible assets acquired in business combinations are recorded at fair value on the acquisition date. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset.

The Company reviews its intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If such assets are not recoverable, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

For additional details regarding goodwill and intangible assets, please refer to “Note 5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets” in these Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company accounts for its investments in less than majority owned companies in accordance with FASB ASC 323, Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures and FASB ASC 321, Investments – Equity Securities. The Company applies ASC 323 to investments when it can exercise significant influence but does not control the operating and financial policies of the company. This is generally represented by equity ownership of at least 20 percent but not more than 50 percent. Investments accounted for under the equity method are initially recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted by the Company’s share of equity in income or losses after the date of acquisition. The pro-rata share of the operating results of the investee is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income as equity investment income or loss. Investments that do not meet the equity method requirements are accounted for using the cost method under ASC 321 with changes in the fair value of the investment reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income as equity investment income or loss.

The Company periodically evaluates its equity method investment for indicators of an other-than-temporary impairment. Factors the Company considers when evaluating for an other-than-temporary impairment include the duration and severity of the impairment, the reasons for the decline in value, and the potential recovery period. For an investee with impairment indicators, the Company measures fair value based on discounted cash flows or other appropriate valuation methods. If it is probable that the Company will not recover the carrying amount of the investment, the impairment is considered other-than-temporary and recorded in equity investment income or loss, and the equity investment balance is reduced to its fair value accordingly.

In each reporting period, the Company evaluates its cost method investments for observable price changes. Factors the Company may consider when evaluating an observable price change may include significant changes in the regulatory, economic or technological environment, changes in general market conditions, bona fide offers to purchase or sell similar investments, and other criteria.

Management must exercise significant judgment in evaluating the potential impairment of its equity and cost method investments.

During the first quarter of 2024, the Company evaluated its equity and cost method investments for indicators of impairment and concluded the fair value of a cost method investment was less than its carrying amount. As a result, during the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company recorded an investment loss of $3.3 million on a 2015 cost method investment. This investment loss is included in equity investment loss in the Consolidated Statements of Income and is due to the investee entering into a new convertible debt agreement which resulted in the conversion of the Company’s preferred stock holdings in the investee into common shares, and the dilution of the Company’s ownership percentage. The investment loss recorded reduced the book value of the cost method investment to zero. There were no indicators of impairment during the three months ended March 31, 2023. The Company’s equity method and cost method investments are included in Other assets, net on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of March 31, 2024, the aggregate carrying amount of the Company’s investments accounted for under ASC 323 and ASC 321 was $1.1 million and zero, respectively.

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC 718, Stock Compensation, which requires companies to expense share-based compensation based on fair value, and ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. Stock-based payments may include incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalent rights, performance shares, performance units, cash-based awards, other stock-based awards, including unrestricted shares, or any combination of the foregoing.

Stock-based compensation cost is recognized as expense generally over a three-year vesting period using the straight-line method for employees and the graded-vesting method for members of the Company’s Board of Directors. It is measured using the Company’s closing stock price on the date of the grant. An accelerated one-year period is used to recognize stock-based compensation cost for employees who have reached certain service and retirement eligibility criteria on the date of grant. The fair value of each option award is estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model that uses certain assumptions. The Company makes assumptions with respect to expected stock price volatility based on the average historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. In addition, the Company determines the risk-free interest rate by selecting the U.S. Treasury constant maturity for the same maturity as the estimated life of the option quoted on an investment basis in effect at the time of grant for that business day.

Judgment is required in estimating the percentage of share-based awards that are expected to vest, and in the case of performance stock units, or PSUs, the level of performance that will be achieved and the number of shares that will be earned. The Company estimates forfeitures of share-based awards at the time of grant and revises such estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from original estimates. The forfeiture assumption is ultimately adjusted to the actual forfeiture rate. If actual results differ significantly from these estimates, stock-based compensation expense could be higher or lower and have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Estimates of fair value are subjective and are not intended to predict actual future events, and subsequent events are not indicative of the reasonableness of the original estimates of fair value made under ASC 718.

Stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023 was as follows (in thousands):

The Company provides incentive-based compensation opportunities to certain employees through cash incentive and equity awards. The expense associated with these awards is reflected within the Company’s operating expenses. For the years ending December 31, 2024, and 2023, the Management Development and Compensation Committee of the Board approved an annual incentive arrangement for senior management employees. The aggregate amount of awards payable, if any, is dependent upon the achievement of certain Company financial and operational goals and the satisfaction of individual performance goals. Given that the awards are generally contingent upon achieving annual objectives, final determination of the current year incentive awards cannot be made until after the results for the year are finalized. The Company recognizes the estimated fair value of performance-based restricted stock units by assuming the satisfaction of any performance-based objectives at the “target” level, which is the most probable outcome determined for accounting purposes at the time of grant and multiplying the corresponding number of shares earned based upon such achievement by the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. To the extent performance goals are not met, compensation cost is not ultimately recognized against the goals and, to the extent previously recognized, compensation cost is reversed. Amounts accrued are subject to change in future interim periods if actual future financial results or operational performance are better or worse than expected. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023, the Company recognized an aggregate expense of $1.9 million and $2.0 million, respectively.

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes. The Company determines its interim tax provision by applying the estimated income tax rate expected for the full calendar year to income before income taxes for the period adjusted for discrete items.

The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs issued by the FASB. All ASUs issued subsequent to the filing of the Annual Report on March 5, 2024, were assessed and determined to be either inapplicable or not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and/or results of operations.

    

    In the following table, revenue, shown net of grants and scholarships, is disaggregated by type of service provided. The table also includes a reconciliation of the disaggregated revenue with the reportable segments (in thousands):

Corporate and Other includes tuition and contract training revenue earned by GSUSA and the elimination of intersegment revenue for courses taken by employees of one segment at other segments.

The Company had no contract assets or deferred contract costs as of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023.

The Company recognizes a contract liability, or deferred revenue, when a student begins a course, in the case of APUS and GSUSA, or starts a term, in the case of RU and HCN. Deferred revenue at March 31, 2024, was $26.9 million and included $16.5 million in future revenue that had not yet been earned for courses and terms that were in progress, as well as $10.5 million in consideration received in advance for future courses or terms, or student deposits. Deferred revenue at December 31, 2023, was $23.8 million and included $13.8 million in future revenue that had not yet been earned for courses and terms that were in progress, as well as $10.0 million in student deposits. Deferred revenue represents the Company’s performance obligation to transfer future instructional services to students. The Company’s remaining performance obligations represent the transaction price allocated to future reporting periods.

The Company has elected, as a practical expedient, not to disclose additional information about unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with students that have an expected duration of one year or less.

When the Company begins performing its obligations, a contract receivable is created, resulting in accounts receivable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company accounts for receivables in accordance with FASB ASC 310, Receivables. The Company uses the portfolio approach, a practical expedient, to evaluate if a contract exists and to assess collectability at the time of contract inception based on historical experience. Contracts are subsequently reviewed for collectability if significant events or circumstances indicate a change.

The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on management’s evaluation of the status of existing accounts receivable. Among other factors, management considers the age of the receivable, the anticipated source of payment, and historical allowance considerations. Consideration is also given to any specific known risk areas among the existing accounts receivable balances. Recoveries of receivables previously written off are recorded when received. APUS, RU, and GSUSA do not charge interest on past due accounts receivable. HCN charges interest on payment plans when a student graduates or otherwise exits the program. Interest charged by HCN on payment plans was immaterial for the periods presented.

The Company’s principal leasing activities include leases for facilities, which are classified as operating leases, and leases for copiers and printers, which are classified as finance leases.

Leases are classified as operating leases unless they meet any of the criteria below to be classified as a finance lease:

•the lease transfers ownership of the asset at the end of the lease;

•the lease grants an option to purchase the asset that the lessee is expected to exercise;

•the lease term reflects a major part of the asset’s economic life;

•the present value of the lease payments equals or exceeds the fair value of the asset; or

•the asset is specialized with no alternative use to the lessor at the end of the term.    

The Company has operating leases for office space and campus facilities. Some leases include options to terminate or extend for one or more years. These options are included in the lease term when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. The Company leases corporate office space in Maryland and, beginning in January 2023, in Florida, under operating leases that expire in July 2024 and January 2026, respectively. The RU Segment leases administrative office space in suburban Chicago, Illinois, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, and leases 21 campuses located in six states under operating leases that expire through March 2034. The HCN Segment leases administrative office space in suburban Columbus, Ohio, and leases eight campuses located in three states under operating leases that expire through December 2032. GSUSA leases classroom and administrative office space in Washington, D.C. and Honolulu, Hawaii, under operating leases that expire through September 2036.

Operating lease assets are right-of-use, or ROU, assets, which represent the right to use the underlying assets for the lease term. Operating lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating leases are included in the Operating lease assets, net, and Lease liabilities, current and long-term, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. When the lease does not provide an implicit interest rate, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate based on information available at lease commencement to determine the present value of the lease payments. The ROU assets include all remaining lease payments and exclude lease incentives.

Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. There are no variable lease payments. Lease expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023 was $5.2 million and $5.3 million, respectively. These costs are primarily related to long-term operating leases, but also include amounts for short-term leases with terms greater than 30 days that are not material. Cash paid for amounts included in the present value of operating lease liabilities during the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023, was $4.8 million and $4.9 million, respectively, and is included in operating cash flows.

In February 2024, the Company elected to terminate its RU Segment lease for a planned Dallas, Texas campus. The Company paid a lease termination fee of $2.2 million and recorded a loss of $2.1 million as a result of this lease termination. Additionally, in the first quarter of 2024, the Company’s RU Segment began consolidating two Minnesota campuses and recorded a loss of $0.8 million on the Minnesota campus lease obligations. Lease losses on lease termination and campus consolidation totaling $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, are included in Loss on leases in the Consolidated Statements of Income. In conjunction with the lease termination and campus consolidation, the Company reduced Operating lease assets, net, and Lease liabilities, current and long term by $5.0 million and $4.2 million, respectively.

The Company leases copiers and printers that are classified as finance leases that expire in 2027. The Company pledged the assets financed to secure the outstanding leases. As of March 31, 2024, the total finance lease liability was $0.6 million, with an average interest rate of 6.60%. The ROU assets are recorded within Property and equipment, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Lease amortization expense associated with the Company’s finance leases was approximately $27,000 for both the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023, and is recorded in Depreciation and amortization expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The following tables present information about the amount and timing of cash flows arising from the Company’s operating and finance leases as of March 31, 2024 (dollars in thousands):

    In connection with its acquisitions of RU and HCN, the Company applied FASB ASC 805 and recorded goodwill of $217.4 million and $38.6 million, respectively, representing the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including identifiable intangible assets. The Company later recorded non-cash impairment charges for RU and HCN Segment goodwill reducing the carrying value to $33.0 million and $26.6 million, respectively. There was no goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition of GSUSA. There is no goodwill recorded in the APUS Segment.

In addition to goodwill, in connection with the acquisitions of RU and HCN, the Company recorded identified intangible assets with an indefinite useful life in the aggregate amount of $51.0 million and $3.7 million, respectively, which include trade name, accreditation, licensing, and Title IV, and affiliate agreements. The Company later recorded non-cash impairment charges reducing the carrying value of RU Segment indefinite-lived intangible assets to $24.5 million. There were no indefinite-lived intangible assets recorded in conjunction with the acquisition of GSUSA. There are no indefinite-lived intangible assets in the APUS Segment.

The Company recorded $35.5 million, $4.4 million, and $1.0 million of identified intangible assets with a definite useful life in connection with the acquisitions of RU, HCN and GSUSA, respectively. There are no definite-lived intangible assets in the APUS Segment. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023, the Company recorded amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets of $1.3 million and $3.9 million, respectively.

The Company accounts for goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite life in accordance with FASB ASC 350, Intangibles Goodwill and Other, and ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The Company annually assesses goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets might be impaired. Impairment testing consists of an optional qualitative assessment as well as a quantitative test. The quantitative test compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit is greater than zero and its fair value is greater than its carrying amount, there is no impairment. If the carrying value is greater than the fair value, the difference between the two values is recorded as an impairment.

During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company performed a qualitative assessment for potential impairment of the RU and HCN Segments’ goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. As part of the assessment, the Company considered the events and circumstances expressly required by ASC 350, in addition to other entity-specific factors. Factors considered included RU and HCN’s financial and enrollment performance against internal targets, economic factors, and the continued favorable growth outlook for nursing education. After completing the qualitative review of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for the RU and HCN Segments, the Company concluded it was more likely than not that the fair value of the RU and HCN Segments was more than the carrying value, and therefore no quantitative impairment test and no impairment charge was necessary.

The Company’s 2023 annual quantitative assessment for impairment concluded that the fair value of RU and HCN Segments exceeded their carrying values by approximately $32.4 million, or 25%, and $7.4 million, or 21%, respectively.

The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2024 (in thousands):

The following table represents the balance of the Company’s intangible assets as of March 31, 2024 (in thousands):

The following table represents the balance of the Company’s intangible assets as of December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

For additional information on goodwill and intangible assets, see the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes in the Annual Report.

 

Loss per common share is calculated by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Net loss available to common stockholders is net income (loss) adjusted for preferred stock dividends declared. Diluted loss per common share is calculated by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding, increased by the shares used in the per share calculation by the dilutive effects of restricted stock and option awards. The table below reflects the calculation of loss per common share and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, on an as if converted basis, used in computing basic and diluted loss per common share (in thousands, expect per share amounts).

The table below reflects a summary of securities that could potentially dilute basic loss per common share in future periods that were not included in the computation of diluted loss per share because the effect would have been antidilutive (in thousands).

In connection with the acquisition of RU, APEI, as borrower, entered into a Credit Agreement with Macquarie Capital Funding LLC, or the Credit Agreement, as administrative agent and collateral agent, or the Agent, Macquarie Capital USA Inc. and Truist Securities, Inc., as lead arrangers and joint bookrunners, and certain lenders party thereto, or the Lenders. The Credit Agreement provides for (i) a senior secured term loan facility in an aggregate original principal amount of $175.0 million, or the Term Loan, with a scheduled maturity date of September 1, 2027 and (ii) a senior secured revolving loan facility in an aggregate commitment amount of $20.0 million, or the Revolving Credit Facility, and, together with the Term Loan, is referred to as the Facilities, with a scheduled maturity date of September 1, 2026, the full capacity of which may be utilized for the issuance of letters of credit. The Revolving Credit Facility also includes a $5.0 million sub-facility for swing line loans. The Term Loan is presented net of deferred financing fees on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Deferred financing fees are being amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the Term Loan. As of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, the remaining unamortized deferred financing fees were $4.0 million and $4.4 million, respectively.

Deferred financing fees of $0.5 million related to the Revolving Credit Facility were recorded as an asset and are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the Revolving Credit Facility. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023.

In June 2023, in connection with the cessation of publication of the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, the Credit Agreement was amended to change the applicable floating index rate at which interest on borrowings under the Facilities would accrue from LIBOR to Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or Term SOFR (as defined in the Credit Agreement, as amended), a forward-looking term rate. Outstanding borrowings under the Facilities bear interest at a per annum rate equal to Term SOFR (plus a credit spread adjustment ranging from 0.11448% to 0.42826% depending on the interest period selected by APEI and subject to a 0.75% floor after giving effect to such adjustment) plus 5.50%, which shall increase by an additional 2.00% on all past due obligations if APEI fails to pay any amount when due. As of March 31, 2024, the Facilities borrowing rate was 10.94%, excluding any offset from the interest rate cap agreement described below. An unused commitment fee in the amount of 0.50% is payable quarterly in arrears based on the average daily unused amount of the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility.

Interest expense, including offsets from the interest rate cap agreement, was $1.9 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023.

In December 2022, APEI made prepayments totaling $65.0 million on the Term Loan. With this prepayment, APEI is not required to make quarterly principal payments on the Term Loan until payment of the outstanding principal amount at maturity in September 2027.

The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including limitations on APEI’s and its subsidiaries’ abilities, among other things, to incur additional debt, grant or permit additional liens, make investments and acquisitions, merge or consolidate with others, dispose of assets, pay dividends and distributions, and enter into affiliate transactions, in each case, subject to certain exceptions, as well as customary representations, warranties, events of default, and remedies upon default, including acceleration and rights to foreclose on the collateral securing the Facilities. In addition, the Credit Agreement contains a financial covenant that requires APEI to maintain a Total Net Leverage Ratio of no greater than 2.00 to 1.00. As of March 31, 2024, APEI was in compliance with all debt covenants.

For additional information on certain restrictions placed on the Company’s indebtedness pursuant to the terms of the Company’s Series A Senior Preferred Stock, please refer to “Note 11. Preferred Stock” in these Consolidated Financial Statements.

Long-term debt consists of the following as of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

Scheduled maturities of long-term debt at March 31, 2024, are as follows (in thousands):

The Company is subject to interest rate risk, including because all outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement are subject to a variable rate of interest. On September 30, 2021, the Company entered into an interest rate cap agreement to manage its exposure to the variable rate of interest with a total notional value of $87.5 million. This interest rate cap agreement, designated as a cash flow hedge, provided the Company with interest rate protection in the event LIBOR exceeded 2.0%. The interest rate cap was effective October 1, 2021 and was scheduled to expire on January 1, 2025.

In connection with cessation of publication of LIBOR, the Company terminated its existing interest rate cap agreement and entered into a new interest rate cap agreement that transitioned the benchmark rate to Term SOFR effective June 30, 2023. The new interest rate cap agreement is structured in a way that there is no change in the value to the Company and provides the Company with interest rate protection in the event that the Term SOFR rate exceeds 1.78%. The new interest rate cap agreement will expire on December 31, 2024.

Changes in the fair value of the interest rate cap designated as a hedging instrument that effectively offset the variability of cash flows associated with the Company’s variable-rate long-term debt obligations are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income. These amounts subsequently are reclassified into interest expense as a yield adjustment of the hedged interest payments in the same period in which the related interest affects earnings.

At March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, the fair value of the interest rate cap totaled $2.2 million and $2.6 million, respectively, and was recorded in Other assets, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The unrealized gain of and $0.4 million and the unrealized loss of $28,000 are included in accumulated other comprehensive income as of March 31, 2024, and 2023.

During the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023, the Company reclassified $0.8 million and $0.6 million, respectively, from other comprehensive income to interest expense. The Company estimates that approximately $2.2 million will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into interest expense during the next twelve months.

 

The Company has three reportable segments: the APUS Segment, the RU Segment, and the HCN Segment. GSUSA does not meet the quantitative thresholds to qualify as a reportable segment; therefore, its operational activities are presented below within Corporate and Other. Adjustments to reconcile segment results to the Consolidated Financial Statements, including unallocated corporate activity and eliminations are also included in Corporate and Other.

In accordance with FASB ASC 280, Segment Reporting, the chief operating decision-maker has been identified as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer reviews operating results to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance for the APUS, RU, and HCN Segments.

 

A summary of financial information by reportable segment is as follows (in thousands):    

    

A summary of the Company’s consolidated assets by reportable segment is as follows (in thousands):

Note 9. Commitments and 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 can be reasonably estimated. 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 estimate of such costs, which may vary from the ultimate costs and expenses, associated with any such contingency.

     From time to time, the Company is involved in legal matters in the normal course of its business.

    The Company’s students utilize various payment sources and programs to finance their education expenses, including funds from: the U.S. Department of Defense, or DoD, tuition assistance programs, or TA; education benefit programs administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA; federal student aid from Title IV programs; and cash and other sources.

     A summary of APUS Segment revenue derived from students by primary funding source is as follows:

A summary of RU Segment revenue derived from students by primary funding source is as follows:

    A summary of HCN Segment revenue derived from students by primary funding source is as follows:

On December 28, 2022, APEI issued $40 million of the Series A Senior Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share, to affiliates of existing common stockholders of the Company.

The Series A Senior Preferred Stock has cumulative dividends that accrue daily at an annual rate that is equal to SOFR (selected by the Company for each divided period), plus 10.00%. On the 30-month anniversary of issuance, the dividend rate spread shall increase by 2.00% per annum and shall increase by 0.50% per annum at the beginning of each full fiscal quarter thereafter. The dividend rate spread increases 6.00% in the event of default, a change of control, or other non-compliance as noted in the related Certificate of Designation and the purchase agreement for the shares of Series A Senior Preferred Stock, or the Purchase Agreement. Other than an increase in the dividend rate spread relating to default, in no event will the dividend rate spread exceed SOFR plus 25.00%. As of March 31, 2024, the dividend rate was 15.31% based on a three-month dividend period. Dividend periods will be monthly, every three months or every six months, at the Company’s option, and the Company currently anticipates using a three-month period. Dividends will be paid, after declaration by the Company’s Board of Directors, for each dividend period. If the Company selects a six-month dividend period, an interim dividend payment will be required for each three-month period therein. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, $1.5 million of dividends were declared and paid on the Series A Senior Preferred Stock.

The Series A Senior Preferred Stock has no stated maturity, is not convertible, is not subject to any mandatory redemption, sinking fund or other similar provisions, and will remain outstanding unless redeemed at the Company’s option. The Company has the right to redeem the Series A Senior Preferred Stock pro rata in whole or in part at the price per share equal to the liquidation preference, or the Liquidation Preference, plus any applicable early premium amount noted in the Certificate of Designation and Purchase Agreement.

The Liquidation Preference of $53.2 million and $55.3 million as of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively, is based on the occurrence of a liquidation event, which is also considered an event of default as defined in the Certificate of Designation. The Liquidation Preference includes an early redemption premium amount and a make-whole payment for any redemption of the securities prior to June 30, 2025. As of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, the make-whole payment included in the Liquidation Preference was $10.2 million and $12.3 million, respectively. The make-whole payment included in the Liquidation Preference will be reduced quarterly until June 30, 2025, at which time it will be eliminated. Events of default trigger an increase of the dividend rate spread of 6.00% and an early premium amount, as defined in the Certificate of Designation.

The following table lists the components of the liquidation preference for the periods presented below (in thousands):

The Series A Senior Preferred Stock has no voting rights for directors or otherwise, except as required by law or with respect to certain protective provisions. Without the consent of at least 60% of the then outstanding shares of Series A Senior Preferred Stock, with certain exceptions, the Company may not, among other things, (i) incur any indebtedness if such incurrence would cause the Company’s Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) to exceed 0.75:1, (ii) issue any capital stock senior to or pari passu with the Series A Senior Preferred Stock, (iii) declare or pay any cash dividends on the Company’s common stock, or (iv) repurchase more than an aggregate of $30 million of the Company’s common stock.

 

•changes in and our ability to comply with the extensive regulatory framework applicable to our industry, including the 90/10 Rule and financial responsibility standards, as well as state law and regulations and accrediting agency requirements, and the expected impacts of any non-compliance;

•actions by the U.S. Department of Education, or ED, institutional and programmatic accreditors, and state authorizing agencies and expectations regarding the effects of those actions;

•our ability to manage, grow, and diversify our business and execute our business initiatives and strategy;

•our cash needs and expectations regarding cash flow from operations, including the impacts of our debt service and the dividend payments that are required to be paid on our Series A Senior Preferred Stock;

•our ability to undertake initiatives to improve the learning experience, attract students who are likely to persist, and improve student outcomes;

•changes to and expectations regarding our student enrollment, net course registrations, and the composition of our student body, including the pace of such changes;

•our ability to maintain, develop, and grow our technology infrastructure to support our student body;

•our conversion of prospective students to enrolled students and our retention of active students;

•our ability to update and expand the content of existing programs and develop new programs to meet emerging student needs and marketplace demands, and our ability to do so in a cost-effective manner or on a timely basis;

•the branding and marketing of our institutions;

•our ability to leverage our investments in support of our initiatives, students, and institutions;

•our maintenance and expansion of our relationships and partnerships and the development of new relationships and partnerships;

•actions by the Department of Defense, or DoD, or branches of the United States Armed Forces, including actions related to the disruption and suspension of DoD tuition assistance, or TA, programs and ArmyIgnitED, and expectations regarding the effects of those actions;

•federal appropriations and other budgetary matters, including government shutdowns;

•changes in enrollment in postsecondary degree-granting institutions and workforce needs;

•the competitive environment in which we operate;

•our ability to recognize the benefits of our cost savings efforts and their benefits;

•challenges related to insourcing and outsourcing information technology services to our operations and third-party vendors, respectively;

•our ability to manage and influence our bad debt expense; and

•our financial performance generally.

•our dependence on the effectiveness of our ability to attract students who persist in our institutions’ programs;

•our inability to effectively market our programs or expand into new markets;

•the loss of our ability to receive funds under TA programs or the reduction, elimination, or suspension of TA, or continued disruption due to systems used to request TA;

•our inability to maintain enrollments from military students;

•adverse effects of changes our institutions make to improve the student experience and enhance each institutions ability to identify and enroll students who are likely to succeed;

•our failure to successfully adjust to future market demands;

•our failure to comply with regulatory and accrediting agency requirements or to maintain institutional accreditation, the consequences thereof, and risks related to any actions we may take to prevent or correct such failure;

•adverse impacts of recent ED negotiated rulemakings;

•our failure to meet applicable National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX, pass rates and other NCLEX standards, and the consequences thereof;

•our failure to comply with the 90/10 Rule;

•our loss of eligibility to participate in student financial aid programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, or Title IV programs, or ability to process Title IV financial aid;

•our inability to recognize the benefits of our cost savings efforts;

•economic and market conditions in the United States and abroad and changes in interest rates;

•risks related to business combinations and acquisitions, including integration challenges, business disruption, dilution of stockholder value, and diversion of management attention;

•risks related to our substantial indebtedness and our Series A Preferred Stock; and

•our dependence on and need to continue to invest in our technology infrastructure.

Forward-looking statements should be considered in light of these factors and the factors described elsewhere in this Quarterly Report, including in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report, and in our various filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. It is important that you read these factors and the other cautionary statements made in this Quarterly Report as being applicable to all related forward-looking statements wherever they appear in this Quarterly Report. If any of these factors materialize, or if any underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should also read the more detailed description of our business in our Annual Report when considering forward-looking statements. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements herein, which speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements after the date of this Quarterly Report, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

    We are a provider of online and campus-based postsecondary education to approximately 106,400 students, and career learning to approximately 25,000 individuals, through four subsidiary institutions, American Public University System, or APUS, Rasmussen University, or RU, Hondros College of Nursing, or HCN, and Graduate School USA, or GSUSA. Our subsidiary institutions offer purpose-built education programs and career learning designed to prepare individuals for productive contributions to their professions and society, and to offer opportunities designed to advance students in their current professions or to help them prepare for their next career. Our subsidiary institutions are licensed or otherwise authorized by state authorities to offer postsecondary education programs to the extent the institutions believe such licenses or authorizations are required, and APUS, RU, and HCN are certified by ED to participate in Title IV programs.

    

    Our wholly owned operating subsidiary institutions include the following:

•American Public University System, Inc., referred to herein as APUS, provides online postsecondary education to approximately 89,600 adult learners, directed primarily at the needs of the military, military-affiliated, public service and service-minded communities through two brands: American Military University, or AMU, and American Public University, or APU. As of March 31, 2024, approximately 66% of APUS students self-reported that they served in the military on active duty at the time of initial enrollment.

•Rasmussen College, LLC, referred to herein as Rasmussen University, or RU, provides nursing- and health sciences-focused postsecondary education to approximately 13,500 students at 21 campuses in six states and online. As of March 31, 2024, on-ground enrollment was 6,300, of which approximately 5,500 students were pursuing nursing degrees at RU, approximately 90% of whom were enrolled in RU’s pre-licensure nursing degree programs. At March 31, 2024, online enrollment was approximately 7,200 students.

•National Education Seminars, Inc., referred to herein as Hondros College of Nursing, or HCN, provides nursing education to approximately 3,300 students at eight campuses in three states. All of HCN’s students are enrolled in its pre-licensure nursing degree programs.

•American Public Training LLC, referred to herein as Graduate School USA, or GSUSA, provides career learning and leadership training in-person and online to the federal workforce. GSUSA operational activities are presented within Corporate and Other.

In April 2024, APU announced its intention to expand its reach to become a global digital university that integrates emerging technologies and enhanced teaching and learning opportunities for faculty and students, adopted a new visual identity, a new tagline: Digital Learning for Real LifeTM, an expanded global focus, and a suite of digital student services.

Providing affordable degree and certificate programs is an important element of our competitive strategy. APUS implemented modest tuition and fee increases for non-military and veteran students in the second and third quarters of 2023. In April 2024, APUS implemented an additional modest tuition increase to master’s level students across all categories, including military, non-military and veteran students. Even after these tuition and fee increases, we believe that APUS’s tuition and fees remain lower than the average in-state cost at public universities. RU implemented modest tuition increases effective in the first quarter of 2023 and 2024 for select programs, and HCN implemented a 5% increase in tuition and fees effective in the second quarter of 2023 across all programs. At RU and HCN, the tuition increases are intended to reflect adjustments to be consistent with the local campus markets. Even inclusive of these increases, RU and HCN’s tuition and fees are designed to be affordable and competitive when compared to the tuition and fees at similar institutions offering the same level of flexibility, accessibility, and student experience.

A team of Higher Learning Commission, or HLC, peer reviewers conducted a focused visit at APUS in March 2024, after HLC raised concerns regarding compliance with standards related to program development oversight and program assessment processes as a result of course availability in one program. The results of the focused visit will be sent to the HLCs Institutional Action Council, or IAC, for review and action. The next meeting of the IAC is scheduled for June 2024, at which time the focused visit results may or may not be on the agenda.

In March 2024, the Florida Board of Nursing, or FBN, placed RU’s ADN programs at its Tampa/Brandon, and Ocala, Florida, campuses, along with the Ocala campus satellite program at North Orlando, Florida, on probationary status due to two consecutive years of NCLEX pass rates not meeting the state standard. If a program’s pass rate continues to not satisfy the required standard in any of the two years following the program’s placement on probationary status, but the program shows adequate progress toward the required pass rate, FBN may allow the program to continue on probation for one additional year. If the program fails to show adequate progress toward the required pass rate, FBN may choose to disapprove the program.

In February 2023, FBN placed RU’s ADN program at its Fort Myers, Florida, campus on probation due to two consecutive years of NCLEX pass rates not meeting the state standard. In February 2024, the second year on probationary status, FBN notified RU that the program will be allowed to continue on probation for one additional year. If the program fails to achieve the required NCLEX pass rate at the end of this additional one-year period of probation, but the program continues to show adequate progress toward the required pass rate, FBN may allow the program to continue on probation for one additional year. If the program fails to show adequate progress toward the required pass rate, FBN may choose to disapprove the program.

As of March 31, 2024, enrollment in these Florida programs represents approximately 10% of RU’s current total enrollment.

Pursuant to new gainful employment, or GE, regulations, that will take effect July 1, 2024, ED will determine the Title IV eligibility of GE programs based in part on satisfaction of specified performance levels of two new measures, as discussed in more detail in our Annual Report. Institutions will generally be required to report certain information used to calculate these measures to ED by July 31 of each year. However, on March 29, 2024, ED announced that the reporting deadline for 2024 had been extended from July 31, 2024, to October 1, 2024.

    Our operations are organized into three reportable segments:

•American Public University System Segment, or APUS Segment. This segment reflects the operational activities of APUS.

•Rasmussen University Segment, or RU Segment. This segment reflects the operational activities of RU.

•Hondros College of Nursing Segment, or HCN Segment. This segment reflects the operational activities of HCN.

Adjustments to reconcile segment results to the Consolidated Financial Statements are included in Corporate and Other. These adjustments include unallocated corporate activity and eliminations, and the operational activities of GSUSA.

Consolidated revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024, increased to $154.4 million from $149.7 million, or by 3.2%, compared to the prior year period. Our net income for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was $0.5 million, compared to a net loss of $5.7 million in the prior year period, an increase of $6.3 million. The results for the three months ended March 31, 2024, include a non-cash impairment loss on investments of $3.3 million in Corporate and Other on one of our cost method equity investments, due to the investee entering into a new convertible debt agreement which resulted in the conversion of the Company’s preferred stock holdings in the investee into common shares, and the dilution of the Company’s ownership percentage, a $2.9 million pre-tax loss on leases in our RU Segment, and $1.9 million in information technology transition service costs. The results in the prior year period include $2.4 million in transition service fees related to the termination of a marketing contract. Our operating margins improved to 3.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to negative 3.7%, in the prior year period.

APUS net course registrations for the three months ended March 31, 2024, increased to approximately 99,000 from approximately 96,300, an increase of 2,700, or 2.8%, compared to the prior year period. APUS Segment revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024, increased to $80.7 million from $74.0 million, or by 9.0%, compared to the prior year period. The revenue increase for the period was greater than the increase in net course registrations due to the tuition and fee increases in the second and third quarters of 2023. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, APUS Segment operating margins increased to 28.6% from 23.1% in the prior year period.

RU total enrollment for the three months ended March 31, 2024, decreased to approximately 13,500 from approximately 14,300, a decrease of 800, or 5.6%, compared to the prior year period. RU Segment revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024, decreased to $53.1 million from $57.5 million, or by 7.5%, compared to the prior year period. The revenue decrease was greater than the enrollment decrease due to a change in student mix to more online students that have lower revenue per enrollment. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, RU Segment operating margins improved to negative 16.9% from negative 22.4% in the prior year period.

HCN total enrollment for the three months ended March 31, 2024, increased to approximately 3,300 from approximately 2,700, an increase of 600, or 20.5%, compared to the prior year period. HCN Segment revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024, increased to $16.4 million from $13.1 million, or by 25.2%, compared to the prior year period. The revenue increase was greater than the enrollment increase due to tuition increases in the second quarter of 2023. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, HCN Segment operating margins improved to negative 1.8% from negative 9.9% in the prior year period.

    

 

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, and the fair value assigned to identifiable intangible assets.

Goodwill is not amortized. Goodwill is reported at the reporting unit level that we have defined as our reporting segments. In connection with our acquisitions of RU and HCN, we recorded $217.4 million and $38.6 million of goodwill, respectively, in our RU and HCN Segments. The Company later recorded non-cash impairment charges reducing the carrying value of RU and HCN Segment goodwill to $33.0 million and $26.6 million, respectively. There was no goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition of GSUSA. No goodwill is recorded in our APUS Segment.

In addition to goodwill, in connection with the acquisitions of RU and HCN, we recorded identified intangible assets with an indefinite useful life in the aggregate amount of $51.0 million and $3.7 million, respectively, in our RU and HCN Segments, which include intangible assets related to trade name, accreditation, licensing, and Title IV, and affiliate agreements. The Company later recorded non-cash impairment charges reducing the carrying value of RU indefinite-lived identified intangible assets to $24.5 million. There were no indefinite useful life intangible assets identified as a result of the acquisition of GSUSA. There are no indefinite-lived intangible assets in our APUS Segment.

We recorded $35.5 million, $4.4 million, and $1.0 million of identified intangible assets with a definite useful life in connection with the acquisitions of RU, HCN, and GSUSA, respectively. There are no definite-lived intangible assets in our APUS Segment.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment at least annually, and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances exist that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. The process of evaluating goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment is subjective and requires significant judgment and estimates. Impairment testing consists of an optional qualitative assessment as well as a quantitative test. When performing a qualitative assessment, we consider many factors, including general economic conditions, industry and market conditions, certain cost factors, financial performance and key business drivers (for example, student enrollment), long-term operating plans, and potential changes to significant assumptions and estimates used in the most recent fair value analysis. Unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that may affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions and estimates. Actual results may differ and have a material impact or our results of operations and financial position, and subsequent events are not necessarily indicative of the reasonableness of the original assumptions or estimates.

We estimate fair value in our quantitative analysis by weighting the results from two different valuation approaches. They are: (1) discounted cash flow and (2) guideline public company. Under the discounted cash flow method, fair value is determined by discounting the estimated future cash flows of RU and HCN at their estimated weighted-average cost of capital. We incorporate the use of projected financial information and a discount rate that are developed using market participant-based assumptions. The cash-flow projections are based on three-year financial forecasts developed by management that include revenue projections, capital spending trends, and investment in working capital to support anticipated revenue growth, which are updated at least annually and approved by management. Under the guideline public company method, pricing multiples from other public companies in the public higher education market are used to determine the fair value of RU and HCN. Values derived under the two valuation methods are then weighted to estimate RU and HCN’s enterprise values. If we determine that the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we then calculate the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill as compared to its carrying amount to determine the appropriate impairment charge. Although we believe our assumptions are reasonable, actual results may vary significantly and may expose us to material impairment charges in the future. Our methodology for determining fair values remained consistent for the periods presented.

At October 31, 2023, we completed our annual assessment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles for our RU and HCN Segments. The annual assessment concluded that the fair value of our RU and HCN Segments exceeded their carrying values by approximately $32.4 million, or 25%, and $7.4 million, or 21%, respectively. Significant assumptions in the RU Segment forecast used in the discounted cash flow valuation model include the recovery in RU enrollment and the impact of cost containment measures. Significant assumptions in the HCN Segment forecast used in the discounted cash flow valuation model include the addition of a medical assistant program in all Ohio campuses, a future campus opening and future tuition increases. These assumptions could be negatively affected by any of the following including, but not limited to, changes in our regulatory environment, declines in student enrollment, adverse actions by state boards of nursing including enrollment caps, and increases in our expenses not in our plan. In addition, the annual assessment determined the fair value of RU and HCN Segment indefinite-lived intangible assets were greater than their carrying value, and therefore, no impairment charge was recorded.

During the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023, we completed a qualitative assessment of RU and HCN Segments goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. As part of the assessment, the Company considered the events and circumstances expressly required by ASC 350, in addition to other entity-specific factors. Factors considered included RU and HCN’s financial and enrollment performance against internal targets, economic factors, and the continued favorable growth outlook for nursing education.

After completing this qualitative assessment, we concluded it was more likely than not that the fair value of the RU and HCN Segments were greater than the carrying values, and therefore no quantitative impairment test and no impairment charge was necessary.

Significant assumptions inherent to valuation methodologies for goodwill include, but are not limited to, prospective financial information, growth rates, terminal value, discount rates, and comparable multiples from publicly traded companies in the higher education market. Future changes, including minor changes in the significant assumption or other factors including revenue, operating income, valuation multiples, and other inputs to the valuation process may result in future impairment charges, and those charges could be material.

For more information regarding our Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates, see the “Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates” section of “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report.

    

 

    Below we have included a discussion of our operating results and material changes in our operating results during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. Our revenue and operating results normally fluctuate as a result of seasonal or other variations in our enrollments and the level of expenses in our reportable segments. Our student population varies as a result of new enrollments, graduations, student attrition, the success of our marketing programs, and other reasons that we cannot always anticipate. We expect quarterly fluctuations in operating results to continue as a result of various enrollment patterns and changes in revenue and expenses.

APUS net course registrations for the three months ended March 31, 2024, increased to approximately 99,000 from approximately 96,300, an increase of 2,700, or 2.8%, compared to the prior year period. The increase in net course registrations during the three months ended March 31, 2024, was primarily due to an increase in registrations by military students utilizing TA and military-affiliated students utilizing VA. APUS Segment operating margins increased to 28.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from 23.1% in the prior year period. The increase in the operating margin was primarily due to increases in revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2024, and decreases in advertising costs and payment processing fees, partially offset by increases in employee compensation costs, information technology transition service costs, and bad debt expense as compared to the prior year period.

RU total enrollment for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was 13,500 compared to 14,300 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, a decrease of 800, or 5.6%, driven by a 11.3% decrease in on-ground enrollment. We believe this decline in enrollment, which reflects the year-over-year decline in on-ground enrollment, with online enrollment remaining flat, can be attributed to several factors, including caps on nursing student enrollment and low NCLEX pass rates at certain RU campuses, and the overall environment in which RU operates, including as a result of the effects of regulatory matters and competition. RU Segment operating margin improved to negative 16.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 from negative 22.4% in the prior year period. The improvement in the operating margin was primarily due to decreases in advertising and marketing support costs primarily related to the termination of the Collegis LLC, or Collegis, marketing contract during the three months ended March 31, 2023, and decreases in depreciation and amortization expenses, and employee compensation costs during the three months ended March 31, 2024, partially offset by the impact of lower revenue and the loss on leases in the current year period.

HCN total enrollment for the three months ended March 31, 2024, increased to approximately 3,300 from approximately 2,700, an increase of 600, or 20.5%, compared to the prior year period. The increase in total student enrollment is primarily due to the opening of the Detroit, Michigan campus in October 2022. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, HCN Segment operating margin improved to negative 1.8% from negative 9.9% in the prior year period. The improvement in the operating margin is primarily due to an increase in revenue, partially offset by increases in employee compensation costs, classroom costs, and bad debt expense, as compared to the prior year period.

For a more detailed discussion of our results by reportable segment, refer to “Analysis of Operating Results by Reportable Segment” below.

The following table sets forth statements of income data as a percentage of revenue for each of the periods indicated:

Revenue. Our consolidated revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was $154.4 million, an increase of $4.7 million, or 3.2%, compared to $149.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase in revenue was primarily due to a $6.7 million, or 9.0% increase in revenue in our APUS Segment, a $3.3 million, or 25.2%, increase in revenue in our HCN Segment, partially offset by $4.3 million, or 7.5%, decrease in revenue in our RU Segment, and a $0.9 million, or 17.2%, decrease in GSUSA revenue included in Corporate and Other. The APUS Segment revenue increase was primarily due to a 2.8% increase in net course registrations and tuition and fee increases implemented in the second and third quarters of 2023, as compared to the prior year period. The HCN Segment revenue increase was primarily due to a 20.5% increase in total student enrollment, as well as a 5% tuition increase implemented during the second quarter of 2023, compared to the prior year period. The RU Segment revenue decrease was primarily due to a 5.6% decrease in total student enrollment driven by a 11.3% decrease in on-ground enrollment, with online enrollment remaining flat, as compared to the prior year period.

Costs and expenses. Costs and expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024, were $149.3 million, a decrease of $5.8 million, or 3.7%, compared to $155.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. Costs and expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024, include a $2.9 million pre-tax loss on leases in our RU Segment and $1.9 million in information technology transition service costs. Costs and expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2023, include a pre-tax charge of $2.4 million in transition services fees in our RU Segment selling and promotional expenses related to the termination of the marketing contract with Collegis, effective January 31, 2023. Other decreases in costs and expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year period were due primarily to decreases in advertising costs, depreciation and amortization expenses, marketing support costs, and other technology costs, partially offset by increases in employee compensation costs. Costs and expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 96.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from 103.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2023.

 

Instructional costs and services expenses. Our instructional costs and services expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024, were $72.4 million, a decrease of $1.5 million, or 2.0%, compared to $73.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023.

The decrease in instructional costs and services expenses was primarily due to decreases in employee compensation costs in our RU Segment due to lower revenue, and in Corporate and Other, decreases in technology costs and professional fees in our RU Segment, and payment processing costs in our APUS Segment, partially offset by increases in employee compensation costs in our APUS and HCN Segments due to an increase in registrations at APUS and enrollments at HCN. Instructional costs and services expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 46.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from 49.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2023.

Selling and promotional expenses. Our selling and promotional expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024, were $32.5 million, a decrease of $7.5 million, or 18.7%, compared to $39.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. Selling and promotional expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2023, include $2.4 million in transition services fees in our RU Segment related to the termination of the Collegis marketing contract effective January 31, 2023. Other decreases in selling and promotional expenses were primarily due to decreases in advertising costs in all our segments, a decrease in marketing support costs in our RU Segment and Corporate and Other and decreases in employee compensation costs in our RU Segment. Selling and promotional expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 21.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from 26.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2023.

General and administrative expenses. Our general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024, were $36.3 million, an increase of $2.8 million, or 8.3%, compared to $33.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024, include $1.9 million in information technology transition service costs. Other increases in general and administrative expenses were due to increases in employee compensation costs in our RU and HCN Segments and professional fees in Corporate and Other, partially offset by a decrease in employee compensation costs in our APUS Segment and Corporate and Other. Consolidated bad debt expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was $4.2 million, or 2.7% of revenue, compared to $3.9 million, or 2.6% of revenue in the prior year period. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue increased to 23.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from 22.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2023. As we continue to evaluate enhancements to our business capabilities, particularly in technology, we expect to incur additional costs and that our general and administrative expenses will vary from time to time.

Loss on disposals of long-lived assets. The loss on disposal of long-lived assets was $28,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to a loss of $1,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2023.

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses. Depreciation and amortization expenses were $5.1 million for three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $7.8 million in the prior year period, a decrease of $2.6 million primarily related to the full amortization of certain definite lived intangible assets in our RU Segment in 2023. Depreciation and amortization expenses as a percentage of revenue was 3.3% and 5.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

Loss on leases. Loss on leases was $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, for leases in our RU Segment. There were no losses on leases in the prior year period.

Stock-based compensation expenses. Stock-based compensation expenses included in instructional costs and services, selling and promotional, and general and administrative expenses were $1.9 million and $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively. Stock-based compensation costs include accelerated expense for retirement-eligible employees and performance stock unit incentive costs.

Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net of interest and other income, was $0.1 million and $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The decrease in net interest expense was primarily due to the increase in interest income earned in the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the prior year period.

 

Income tax expense (benefit). We recognized income tax expense of $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to an income tax benefit of $1.4 million in the prior year period, respectively, or an effective tax rate of 70.2% in 2024, compared to an effective tax rate benefit of 19.8% in 2023. The increase in the effective tax rate in 2024 is primarily due to the $3.3 million equity investment loss not deductible for tax purposes, and an increase in non-deductible stock compensation expense in relation to taxable income in the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year period.

Equity investment loss. Equity investment loss was $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to equity investment loss of $5,000 in 2023. The increase is due to a $3.3 million non-cash investment loss on a cost method investment due to the investee entering into a new convertible debt agreement which resulted in the conversion of the Company’s preferred stock holdings in the investee into common shares, and the dilution of the Company’s ownership percentage.

Net income (loss). Our net income was $0.5 million, compared to a net loss of $5.7 million, for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively, an increase of $6.3 million. This increase was related to the factors discussed above.

Preferred stock dividends. Preferred stock dividends were $1.5 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023.

Net loss available to common stockholders. The net loss available to common stockholders for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was $1.0 million, compared to net loss available to common stockholders of $7.2 million in the prior year, an improvement of $6.2 million. This improvement in net loss available to common shareholders was related to the factors discussed above.

    The following table provides details on our operating results by reportable segment for the respective periods (in thousands):

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the $6.7 million, or 9.0%, increase to approximately $80.7 million in revenue in our APUS Segment was primarily attributable to higher net course registrations, and tuition and fee increases in 2023. Net course registrations increased 2.8% to approximately 99,000 from approximately 96,300 in the prior year period, was primarily due to an increase in registrations by military students utilizing TA and military-affiliated students utilizing VA. Income from operations before interest and income taxes increased to $23.1 million, or by 35.2%, during the three months ended March 31, 2024, from $17.1 million in the prior year period, an increase of $6.0 million, as a result of the increase in revenue, partially offset by an increase in expenses as compared to the same period in 2023.

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the $4.3 million, or 7.5%, decrease to approximately $53.1 million in revenue in the RU Segment was primarily due to a 5.6% decrease in total student enrollment, driven by a 11.3% decrease in on-ground enrollment, with online enrollment remaining flat. We believe this decline in enrollment, which reflects year-over-year declines in total nursing enrollment, can be attributed to several factors, including caps on nursing student enrollment and low NCLEX pass rates at certain RU campuses, and the overall environment in which RU operates, including as a result of the effects of regulatory matters and competition. The loss from operations before interest and income taxes was $9.0 million and $12.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively, an improvement of $3.9 million in the current year period.

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the $3.3 million, or 25.2% increase to approximately $16.4 million in revenue in our HCN Segment was primarily due to year-over-year increase in total student enrollment, as well as a 5% tuition increase implemented during the second quarter of 2023. Total student enrollment increased 20.5% to approximately 3,300 students as compared to the same period in 2023. The increase in total student enrollment is primarily due to the opening of the Detroit, Michigan campus in October 2022. The loss from operations before interest and income taxes was $0.3 million and $1.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively, an improvement of $1.0 million in the current year period.

 

Cash and cash equivalents were $153.2 million and $144.3 million at March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively, representing an increase of $8.9 million, or 6.2%. The increase in cash was primarily due to higher revenue and operating income at APUS, and the receipt of fourth quarter 2023 APUS TA billing in the first quarter of 2024, partially offset by the change in the APUS TA billing policy effective January 1, 2024, higher capital expenditures, and an increase in cash paid for repurchases of common stock. We have historically financed operating activities and capital expenditures with cash provided by operating activities. We expect to continue to fund our costs and expenses through cash generated from operations. For more on our material cash requirements from known contractual and other obligations, please refer to the section entitled “Contractual Obligations” in Item 7 of Part II of our Annual Report.

We derive a significant portion of our revenue from our participation in ED’s Title IV programs, for which disbursements are governed by federal regulations. We have typically received disbursements under Title IV programs within 30 days of invoicing the applicable course or term. Effective January 1, 2024, APUS revised its billing policy for students utilizing TA, which previously ranged from two weeks to five weeks after course start date to nine weeks after the course start date. After the change in TA billing policy, these funds are generally received within 90 days of the start of the course to which they relate. Another significant source of revenue is derived from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Generally, these funds are received within 60 days of the start of the courses to which they relate.

ED evaluates institutions on an annual basis for compliance with specified financial responsibility standards, including a complex formula based on line items from the institution’s audited financial statements. Generally, an institution’s financial ratios must yield a composite score of at least 1.5 for the institution to be deemed financially responsible. A composite score between 1.0 and 1.4 is considered by ED to be in the “zone.” An institution in the “zone” may still participate in the Title IV programs as a financially responsible institution through the “zone alternative” or the “financial protection alternative” as set forth in ED regulations. On March 4, 2024, ED notified us that in calculating our composite score for the fiscal year-ended December 31, 2022, it excluded our deferred tax assets from its calculation of our assets. As a result, ED calculated that we had a 2022 consolidated composite score of 1.1 and our institutions were therefore in the “zone.” We disagree with ED’s calculation and conclusion and submitted a rebuttal to ED on March 18, 2024. On April 10, 2024, ED issued a response to our rebuttal, indicating that ED does not agree with our position and reiterating that our institutions must establish financial responsibility on an alternative basis. On April 17, 2024, we timely informed ED that although we continue to disagree with its composite score methodology with respect to deferred tax assets, we select the “zone alternative” as the alternative basis on which we establish financial responsibility. Under the zone alternative, we are required to: (i) make Title IV disbursements to eligible students and parents under the heightened cash monitoring payment method, or HCM1, pursuant to which we would be required to first make disbursements to eligible students and parents and pay any credit balances before we request or receive funds from ED for the amount of those disbursements; (ii) notify ED of certain events, such as an adverse action taken by any of our institution’s accreditors or state authorizing agencies; (iii) provide regular reports to ED relating to our institution’s current operations and future plans; and (iv) require our auditors to express an opinion on our compliance with the requirements under the zone alternative. While RU already complies with HCM1, if HCM1 had applied to APUS and HCN in 2023, we estimate that we would have received approximately $6.2 million from ED at a point in time after we had disbursed the related funds.

Our Credit Agreement and the purchase agreement for the shares of Series A Senior Preferred Stock, or the Purchase Agreement, contain financial covenants that require us to maintain a Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in each respective agreement) of no greater than 2.00 to 1.00 and 0.75 to 1.00, respectively, subject to certain exceptions. Changes in TA invoicing in the fourth quarter of 2023 added to our accounts receivable as of December 31, 2023 as compared to prior practice and policy, and resulted in an increase to our leverage ratio as of December 31, 2023, under our Credit Agreement and the Purchase Agreement. As of March 31, 2024, the ratio decreased due to results, including a decrease in accounts receivable, primarily related to our APUS Segment, and an increase in our cash balance.

Our Total Net Leverage Ratio, under the Credit Agreement, at March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, was 0.33 and 0.51, respectively.

Capital expenditures could be higher in the future as a result of, among other things, additional expenditures for technology or other business capabilities, the maintenance of existing campuses at RU and HCN, the opening of new campuses at RU and HCN, the acquisition or lease of existing structures or potential new construction projects, and necessary tenant improvements that arise as a result of our ongoing evaluation of our space needs and opportunities for physical growth. We also expect to continue to explore opportunities to invest in the education industry, which could include purchasing or investing in other education-related companies or companies developing new technologies.

On April 1, 2024, as part of our technology transformation program, we transitioned to a managed service provider for certain services including service desk, end user support, and network support and operations. The second phase of the project will include the insourcing of technology from Collegis for our RU Segment and is expected to be completed this summer. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, we incurred approximately $1.9 million in information technology transition service costs. We estimate that the remaining cost of the technology transformation will be approximately $1.0 million for the remainder of 2024.

In January 2024, we repurchased 251,146 shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $2.8 million. Effective February 1, 2024, the Company ceased purchases under this purchase authorization.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $20.7 million and $12.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The increase in cash from operating activities was primarily due to improved financial performance and changes in working capital due to the timing of receipts and payments. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, due to a change in the approach to invoicing TA in the fourth quarter of 2023, APUS collected approximately $21.4 million from TA related to periods prior to 2024. Accounts receivable at March 31, 2024, decreased approximately $6.4 million compared to December 31, 2023, primarily related to our APUS Segment. Accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and accrued compensation and benefits at March 31, 2024, were approximately $2.6 million higher than December 31, 2023, primarily due to the timing of payment processing.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $6.2 million and $3.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, capital expenditures were $6.2 million compared to capital expenditures of $3.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase in capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was primarily due campus relocations at our HCN and RU Segments and an increase in information technology capital expenditures.

 

Net cash used in financing activities was $5.7 million and $2.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The increase in cash used in financial activities is due to an increase in cash used to repurchase our common stock. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, we repurchased 251,146 shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $2.8 million compared to 75,000 shares for an aggregate purchase price of $0.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023.

 

We have various contractual obligations consisting of operating leases and purchase obligations. Purchase obligations include agreements with consultants, contracts with third-party service providers, and other future contracts or agreements. For a summary of our contractual obligations, please refer to Item 7 of Part II of our Annual Report.

Outsourced information technology services under the Collegis information technology contract will continue until September 30, 2024, at which time we will complete the transition of information technology services currently provided by Collegis to our internal operations team and to one or more third-party vendors. The total minimum expenses for information technology services through September 30, 2024, is approximately $4.7 million.

 

We had no material derivative financial instruments or derivative commodity instruments as of March 31, 2024. We maintain our cash and cash equivalents in bank deposit accounts, money market funds, and short-term U.S. Treasury bills. The bank deposits exceed federally insured limits. We have historically not experienced any losses in such accounts. We believe we are not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents. Due to the short-term duration of our investment portfolio, the low yield on the portfolio, and the low risk profile of our investments, a 10% increase or decrease in interest rates would not have a material impact on the fair value of our portfolio.

 

We are subject to risk from changes in interest rates primarily relating to our investment of funds in short-term U.S. Treasury bills issued at a discount to their par value. Our future investment income will vary due to changes in interest rates.

In the normal course of business, we employ established policies and procedures to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates. For every 100 basis points increase in Term SOFR on our variable rate indebtedness, we would incur an incremental $1.0 million in interest expense per year, excluding any offset from the interest rate cap agreement. To reduce our exposure to market risks from increases in interest rates on our variable rate indebtedness we entered into a hedging arrangement in the form of an interest rate cap agreement. The new interest rate cap agreement, as further discussed in “Note 7. Long-Term Debt” included in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report, provides us with interest rate protection in the event the one-month Term SOFR rate increases above 1.78% and has a December 31, 2024, termination date. As of March 31, 2024, the interest rate cap agreement hedged $87.5 million of principal under our term loan.

 

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness 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, or the Exchange Act) as of March 31, 2024. Based upon the evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2024.