10-Q 1 form10q.htm LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION 10-Q 6-30-2009 form10q.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 

Form 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
 
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009

or

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

For the transition period from _____ to _____
 

Commission File Number 000-51371

 
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
New Jersey
57-1150621
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
   
200 Executive Drive, Suite 340
07052
West Orange, NJ
(Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
 

(973) 736-9340
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

No change
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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 ý  No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o  No o

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

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


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o  No ý
 
As of August 3, 2009, there were 26,847,065 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.
 


 
 

 
 
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2009
 
 
PART I.
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
 
1
   
1
   
3
   
4
   
5
   
7
Item 2.
 
14
Item 3.
 
21
Item 4.
 
22
PART II.
 
OTHER INFORMATION
22
Item 1.
 
22
Item 4.
 
22
Item 6.
 
23
 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

         
         
             
           
           
  $ 12,638     $ 15,234  
    368       383  
    28,188       22,857  
    3,661       3,374  
    7,222       5,627  
    -       828  
    3,628       -  
    7,496       2,958  
    63,201       51,261  
                 
    141,037       108,567  
                 
               
    3,822       3,326  
    429       632  
    8,380       7,080  
    111,926       91,460  
    9,768       5,716  
    134,325       108,214  
  $ 338,563     $ 268,042  

 
1
         
         
             
           
           
  $ 5,502     $ 130  
    40,740       38,806  
    15,720       12,349  
    21,026       16,239  
    75       -  
    -       3,263  
    637       314  
    83,700       71,101  
                 
               
    37,101       10,044  
    4,196       4,335  
    6,172       5,972  
    1,960       1,641  
    133,129       93,093  
                 
               
                 
               
    -       -  
    136,701       120,597  
    16,008       15,119  
    (3,377 )     (3,619 )
    (6,584 )     (6,584 )
    68,469       55,219  
    (5,783 )     (5,783 )
    205,434       174,949  
  $ 338,563     $ 268,042  

 
2
 
 
         
         
                 
                         
  $ 128,110     $ 85,056     $ 246,709     $ 169,103  
                               
    51,120       35,927       99,418       72,555  
    63,573       46,440       123,187       92,573  
    (12 )     3       (14 )     40  
    114,681       82,370       222,591       165,168  
    13,429       2,686       24,118       3,935  
                               
    7       18       9       63  
    (1,098 )     (582 )     (2,103 )     (1,086 )
    8       -       17       -  
    12,346       2,122       22,041       2,912  
    4,920       881       8,791       1,187  
  $ 7,426     $ 1,241     $ 13,250     $ 1,725  
                               
  $ 0.28     $ 0.05     $ 0.51     $ 0.07  
                               
  $ 0.27     $ 0.05     $ 0.49     $ 0.07  
                               
    26,477       25,341       26,093       25,500  
    27,217       26,059       26,834       26,154  

 
3

                               
                                 
    26,088,261     $ 120,597     $ 15,119     $ (3,619 )   $ (6,584 )   $ 55,219     $ (5,783 )   $ 174,949  
    -       -       -       -       -       13,250       -       13,250  
                                                               
    19,288       -       320       242       -       -       -       562  
    -       -       502       -       -       -       -       502  
    -       -       122       -       -       -       -       122  
    1,150,000       14,932       -       -       -       -       -       14,932  
    (5,013 )     -       (55 )     -       -       -       -       (55 )
    192,528       1,172       -       -       -       -       -       1,172  
    27,445,064     $ 136,701     $ 16,008     $ (3,377 )   $ (6,584 )   $ 68,469     $ (5,783 )   $ 205,434  
 

 
4
     
     
         
             
           
  $ 13,250     $ 1,725  
               
    11,374       8,936  
    99       97  
    (1,643 )     (1,221 )
    (14 )     40  
    15,890       9,569  
    280       -  
    1,064       1,171  
    (122 )     (5 )
    194       271  
               
    (19,113 )     (9,372 )
    (144 )     (256 )
    (82 )     203  
    903       5,935  
    (236 )     255  
               
    (2,434 )     402  
    (113 )     (903 )
    (6,769 )     (3,225 )
    1,601       569  
    (4,153 )     (5,834 )
    (3,418 )     6,632  
    9,832       8,357  
               
    377       -  
    (5,828 )     (12,560 )
    90       -  
    (27,552 )     -  
    (32,913 )     (12,560 )
               
    44,000       23,000  
    (39,000 )     (7,000 )
    1,172       67  
    122       5  
    (55 )     -  
    (686 )     (105 )
    -       (6,375 )
    14,932       -  
    20,485       9,592  
    (2,596 )     5,389  
    15,234       3,502  
  $ 12,638     $ 8,891  

 
5

 
6
 
 
Basis of Presentation – The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements have been omitted or condensed pursuant to such regulations.  These statements, should be read in conjunction with the December 31, 2008 consolidated financial statements of the Company, and reflect all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for such periods.  The results of operations for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009.
 
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 166, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140” (“SFAS No. 166”) and SFAS No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)” (“SFAS No. 167”).  SFAS No. 166 will require more information about transfers of financial assets, eliminates the qualifying special purpose entity (QSPE) concept, changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets and requires additional disclosures.  SFAS No. 167 amends FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” regarding certain guidance for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity and modifies the methods allowed for determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity.  In addition, SFAS No. 167 requires ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and enhanced disclosures related to an enterprise’s involvement in a variable interest entity.  SFAS No. 166 and SFAS No. 167 are effective for balance sheets beginning on or after January 1, 2010.  The adoption of these standards is not expected to have an effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 
7

 
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” (“SFAS No. 161”),  an amendment to FASB Statement No. 133.   SFAS No. 161 is intended to improve financial standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand their effects on an entity's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about: (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments; (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations; and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2009. The adoption of the provisions of SFAS No. 161 had no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, "Business Combinations" (“SFAS No. 141R”). SFAS No. 141R establishes revised principles and requirements for how the Company will recognize and measure assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination. SFAS 141R requires, among other things, transaction costs incurred in a business combination to be expensed, establishes a new measurement date for valuing acquirer shares issued in consideration for a business combination, and includes the recognition of contingent consideration and pre-acquisition gain and loss contingencies.  SFAS No. 141R was effective for business combinations completed on or after January 1, 2009.  For the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company incurred approximately $1.3 million of expenses related to the adoption of SFAS No. 141R.
 
 
 
 
On January 20, 2009, the Company completed the acquisition of six of the seven schools comprising Baran Institute of Technology, Inc. (“BAR”), for approximately $24.9 million in cash, net of cash acquired, subject to further customary post closing adjustments.  BAR consists of seven schools serving approximately 1,900 students as of June 30, 2009 and offers associate and diploma programs in the fields of automotive, skilled trades, health sciences and culinary arts.  On April 20, 2009, the Company acquired the seventh BAR school, Clemens College (“Clemens”), for $2.7 million, in cash, net of cash acquired.  In connection with these acquisitions, the Company incurred approximately $1.3 million of expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2009 related to the acquisitions that were incurred in 2009, pursuant to SFAS No. 141R.

 
8

 
 
         
             
  $ 362     $ -  
    7,947       195  
    36,739       1,265  
    19,189       10,022  
               
    2,138       460  
    510       -  
    1,040       960  
    710       -  
    1,980       -  
    3,612       21  
    (19,225 )     (1,539 )
    (27,450 )     (816 )
  $ 27,552     $ 10,568  
 
 
 

 
9

               
                             
    2     $ 4,813     $ 2,999     $ 1,814     $ 2,563     $ 2,230     $ 333  
        990       -       990       1,270       -       1,270  
    6       509       40       469       -       -       -  
        2,307       -       2,307       1,307       -       1,307  
    10       1,410       340       1,070       2,000       289       1,711  
    3       2,181       428       1,753       201       105       96  
          $ 12,210     $ 3,807     $ 8,403     $ 7,341     $ 2,624     $ 4,717  
 
 

 
10

The credit agreement contains various covenants, including total funded debt to adjusted EBITDA of not less than 2:1, net worth of not less than $141.8 million, a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less that 1:1, a minimum financial responsibility score of not less than 1, and a cohort default rate of not more than 20%.  Additionally, the credit agreement contains customary events of default as well as an event of default in the event of the suspension or termination of Title IV Program funding for the Company’s and its subsidiaries' schools aggregating 10% or more of the Company’s EBITDA (as defined) or its consolidated total assets and such suspension or termination is not cured within a specified period.  As of June 30, 2009, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants contained in the credit agreement.
Under the LTIP, certain employees received an award of restricted shares of common stock totaling 200,000 shares, valued at $2.9 million, on October 30, 2007; 80,000 shares, valued at $1.0 million, on February 29, 2008; 8,000 shares, valued at $0.1 million, on May 2, 2008; and 8,000 shares, valued at $0.1 million, on May 5, 2008.  As of June 30, 2009, there were a total of 296,000 restricted shares awarded and 59,200 shares vested under the LTIP.  The restricted shares vest ratably on the first through fifth anniversary of the grant date; however, there is no vesting period on the right to vote or the right to receive dividends on these restricted shares.  The recognized restricted stock expense for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 was $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 was $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The deferred compensation or unrecognized restricted stock expense under the LTIP as of June 30, 2009 and December 31 2008 was $2.8 million and $3.2 million, respectively.
 
Pursuant to the Non-Employee Directors Plan, each non-employee director of the Company receives an annual award of restricted shares of common stock on the date of the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders.  The number of shares granted to each non-employee director is based on the fair market value of a share of common stock on that date.  The restricted shares vest ratably on the first through third anniversary of the grant date; however, there is no vesting period on the right to vote or the right to receive dividends on these restricted shares. As of June 30, 2009, there were a total of 104,242 shares awarded and 58,716 shares vested under the Non-Employee Directors Plan. The recognized restricted stock expense for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 was $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 was $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The deferred compensation or unrecognized restricted stock expense under the Non-Employee Directors Plan as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 was $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

 
11

In 2009 and 2008, the Company completed a net share settlement for 5,013 and 13,512 restricted shares, respectively, on behalf of some employees that participate in the LTIP upon the vesting of the restricted shares pursuant to the terms of the LTIP.  The net share settlement was in connection with taxes incurred on restricted shares that vested and were transferred to the employee during 2009 and/or 2008, creating taxable income for the employee.   The Company has agreed to pay these taxes on behalf of the employees in return for the employee returning an equivalent value of restricted shares to the Company.  This transaction resulted in a decrease of approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively, to equity on the consolidated balance sheets as the cash payment of the taxes effectively was a repurchase of the restricted shares granted in previous years.
 
 
12

 
 
 
 
 

 
13

 
The following discussion may contain forward-looking statements regarding us, our business, prospects and our results of operations that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties posed by many factors and events that could cause our actual business, prospects and results of operations to differ materially from those that may be anticipated by such forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those described in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and in our other filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report.  We undertake no obligation to revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may subsequently arise.  Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in this report and in our other reports filed with the SEC that advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business.
 
 
We are a leading and diversified provider of career-oriented post-secondary education. We offer recent high school graduates and working adults degree and diploma programs in five areas principal of study: automotive technology, health sciences, skilled trades, business and information technology and hospitality services. Each area of study is specifically designed to appeal to and meet the educational objectives of our student population, while also satisfying the criteria established by industry and employers and state and federal accrediting bodies. We believe that diversification limits our dependence on any one industry for enrollment growth or placement opportunities and broadens our opportunity to introduce new programs. As of June 30, 2009, 26,035 students were enrolled at our 43 campuses across 17 states. Our campuses primarily attract students from their local communities and surrounding areas, although our destination schools attract students from across the United States, and in some cases, from abroad.
 
Our discussions of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period.  On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those related to revenue recognition, bad debts, fixed assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, income taxes and certain accruals.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  The critical accounting policies discussed herein are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of our accounting policies.  In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by GAAP and does not result in significant management judgment in the application of such principles. There are also areas in which management's judgment in selecting any available alternative would not produce a materially different result from the result derived from the application of our critical accounting policies. We believe that the following accounting policies are most critical to us in that they represent the primary areas where financial information is subject to the application of management’s estimates, assumptions and judgment in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
 
Revenue recognition.  Revenues are derived primarily from programs taught at our schools.  Tuition revenues, textbook sales and one-time fees, such as nonrefundable application fees and course material fees, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the length of the applicable program, which is the period of time from a student’s start date through his or her graduation date, including internships or externships that take place prior to graduation.  If a student withdraws from a program prior to a specified date, any paid but unearned tuition is refunded.  Refunds are calculated and paid in accordance with federal, state and accrediting agency standards.  Other revenues, such as tool sales and contract training revenues are recognized as goods are delivered or services are performed.  On an individual student basis, tuition earned in excess of cash received is recorded as accounts receivable, and cash received in excess of tuition earned is recorded as unearned tuition.
 
Allowance for uncollectible accounts.  Based upon our experience and judgment, we establish an allowance for uncollectible accounts with respect to tuition receivables.  We use an internal group of collectors, augmented by third-party collectors as deemed appropriate, in our collection efforts.  In establishing our allowance for uncollectible accounts, we consider, among other things, a student’s status (in-school or out-of-school), whether or not additional financial aid funding will be collected from Title IV Programs or other sources, whether or not a student is currently making payments and overall collection history.  Changes in trends in any of these areas may impact the allowance for uncollectible accounts.  The receivables balances of withdrawn students with delinquent obligations are reserved based on our collection history.  Although we believe that our reserves are adequate, if the financial condition of our students deteriorates, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be necessary, which will result in increased selling, general and administrative expenses in the period such determination is made.

 
14

 
 
Goodwill. We test our goodwill for impairment annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred, by comparing the fair value of our reporting units to their carrying value. Impairment may result from, among other things, deterioration in the performance of the acquired business, adverse market conditions, adverse changes in applicable laws or regulations, including changes that restrict the activities of the acquired business, and a variety of other circumstances. If we determine that impairment has occurred, we are required to record a write-down of the carrying value and charge the impairment as an operating expense in the period the determination is made. In evaluating the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, we must make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the acquired assets. Changes in strategy or market conditions could significantly impact these judgments in the future and require an adjustment to the recorded balances.
 
 
 
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 166, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140” (“SFAS No. 166”) and SFAS No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)” (“SFAS No. 167”).  SFAS No. 166 will require more information about transfers of financial assets, eliminates the qualifying special purpose entity (QSPE) concept, changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets and requires additional disclosures.  SFAS No. 167 amends FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” regarding certain guidance for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity and modifies the methods allowed for determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity.  In addition, SFAS No. 167 requires ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and enhanced disclosures related to an enterprise’s involvement in a variable interest entity.  SFAS No. 166 and SFAS No. 167 are effective for balance sheets beginning on or after January 1, 2010.  The adoption of these standards is not expected to have an effect on our consolidated financial statements.

 
15

 
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” (“SFAS No. 161”), an amendment to FASB Statement No. 133.   SFAS No. 161 is intended to improve financial standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand their effects on an entity's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about: (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments; (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations; and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 was effective for us as of January 1, 2009. The adoption of the provisions of SFAS No. 161 had no effect on our consolidated financial statements.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, "Business Combinations" (“SFAS No. 141R”). SFAS No. 141R establishes revised principles and requirements for how we will recognize and measure assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination. SFAS No. 141R requires, among other things, transaction costs incurred in a business combination to be expensed, establishes a new measurement date for valuing acquirer shares issued in consideration for a business combination, and includes the recognition of contingent consideration and pre-acquisition gain and loss contingencies.  SFAS No. 141R was effective for our business combinations completed on or after January 1, 2009.  For the six months ended June 30, 2009, we incurred approximately $1.3 million of expenses related to the adoption of  SFAS No. 141R.
 
 
 
         
         
                 
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
                               
    39.9 %     42.2 %     40.3 %     42.9 %
    49.6 %     54.6 %     49.9 %     54.8 %
    89.5 %     96.8 %     90.2 %     97.7 %
    10.5 %     3.2 %     9.8 %     2.3 %
    -0.9 %     -0.7 %     -0.8 %     -0.6 %
    9.6 %     2.5 %     9.0 %     1.7 %
    3.8 %     1.0 %     3.6 %     0.7 %
    5.8 %     1.5 %     5.4 %     1.0 %

 
16

 
Revenues.    Revenues increased by $43.1 million, or 50.6%, to $128.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 from $85.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2008. Approximately $13.3 million, or 31.0%, of this increase was a result of our acquisitions of Briarwood College on December 1, 2008, six of the seven schools comprising Baran Institute of Technology (“BAR”) on January 20, 2009 and Clemens College (“Clemens”) on April 20, 2009 (the “Acquisitions”).  Excluding the Acquisitions, the increase in revenues was primarily attributable to a 28.8% increase in average student population, which increased to 23,877 for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 from 18,540 for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.  Average revenue per student on a same school basis increased 4.8% for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 from the quarter ended June 30, 2008 primarily from tuition increases which ranged from 3% to 5% annually and by a shift in student population to students enrolled in higher tuition programs.  For a general discussion of trends in our student enrollment, see “Seasonality and Trends” below.
Educational services and facilities expenses.   Our educational services and facilities expenses increased by $15.2 million, or 42.3%, to $51.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 from $35.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2008. The Acquisitions accounted for $8.2 million, or 53.9%, of this increase. Excluding the Acquisitions, the increase in educational services and facilities expenses was primarily due to instructional expenses which increased by $4.1 million, or 21.1%, and books and tools expenses, which increased by $2.0 million, or 49.2%, respectively, over the same quarter in 2008. This increase was attributable to a 33.0% increase in student starts for the second quarter of 2009 as compared to the second quarter of 2008 and the overall increase in student population and higher tool sales during the second quarter of 2009 compared to the second quarter of 2008.  On a same school basis, we began the second quarter of 2009 with approximately 4,500 more students than we had on April 1, 2008, and as of June 30, 2009 our population on a same school basis was approximately 5,400 higher than as of June 30, 2008. The remainder of the increase was due to facilities expenses, which increased by approximately $0.9 million over the same quarter in 2008.   This increase was attributable to: (a) a $0.4 million increase in rent expense resulting from the expansion of our Melrose Park, Illinois and Vine Street, Ohio campuses, our  new campus in Toledo, Ohio and lease extensions at our existing campuses; (b) a $0.2 million increase in repairs and maintenance costs due to higher common area charges relating to our lease expansions and new locations; and (c) a $0.3 million increase in real-estate taxes due to additional campus space as well as annual property value and tax rate increases.   Educational services and facilities expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased to 39.9% for the second quarter of 2009 from 42.2% for the second quarter of 2008.
The increase in administrative expenses during the second quarter of 2009 as compared to the second quarter of 2008 was primarily due to: (a) a $3.0 million increase in personnel costs, relating to annual compensation increases,  increased number of personnel associated with the opening of our new Toledo, Ohio campus as well as our higher student population during the quarter ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the second quarter of 2008,  increased accruals for incentive compensation and increased cost of benefits provided to employees; (b) a $2.4 million increase in bad debt expense; (c) $0.5 million of  legal costs; (d) a $0.2 million increase in software maintenance expenses resulting from increased software licenses for our student management system; (e) $0.3 million incurred due to the re-branding of our Florida Culinary Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida; (f) $0.3 million related to repairs and maintenance of equipment and general administrative supplies; and (g) $0.5 million of  costs incurred related to our acquisition of BAR expensed in accordance with SFAS No. 141R.  As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2009 decreased to 49.6% from 54.6% for the second quarter of 2008.
 
For the quarter ended June 30, 2009, including the Acquisitions, our bad debt expense as a percentage of revenue was 6.7% as compared to 6.5% for the same quarter in 2008.  This increase was primarily attributable to higher accounts receivable due to an increase of 28.8% in average student population for the second quarter of 2009 as compared to the second quarter of 2008.  The number of days sales outstanding at June 30, 2009 decreased to 22.7 days, compared to 26.4 days at June 30, 2008. This decrease is primarily attributable to our program to centralize the back office administration of our financial aid department in an effort to improve the effectiveness and timeliness of our financial aid processing. As of June 30, 2009, we had outstanding loan commitments to our students of $24.6 million as compared to $23.6 million at March 31, 2009 and $24.8 million at December 31, 2008.  Loan commitments, net of interest that would be due on the loans through maturity, were $17.0 million at June 30, 2009 as compared to $16.2 million at March 31, 2009 and $17.0 million at December 31, 2008.

 
17

 
 
Revenues.  Revenues increased by $77.6 million, or 45.9%, to $246.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $169.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The Acquisitions accounted for approximately $24.9 million, or 32.1%, of this increase. Excluding the Acquisitions, the increase in revenues was primarily attributable to a 25.6% increase in average student population, which increased to 23,237 for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from 18,499 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.  Average revenue per student on a same school basis increased 4.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from the six months ended June 30, 2008 primarily from tuition increases which ranged from 3% to 5% annually and by a shift in student population to students enrolled in higher tuition programs.  For a general discussion of trends in our student enrollment, see “Seasonality and Trends” below.
Educational services and facilities expenses.   Our educational services and facilities expenses increased by $26.9 million, or 37.0%, to $99.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $72.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The Acquisitions accounted for $14.6 million, or 54.3%, of this increase. Excluding the Acquisitions, the increase in educational services and facilities expenses was primarily due to instructional expenses which increased by $6.8 million, or 17.5%, and books and tools expenses, which increased by $3.9 million, or 46.2%, respectively, over the same period in 2008. This increase was attributable to a 34.1% increase in student starts for the six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008 and the overall increase in student population and higher tool sales during the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.  On a same school basis, we began 2009 with approximately 3,000 more students than we had on January 1, 2008, and as of June 30, 2009, our population on a same school basis was approximately 5,400 higher than as of June 30, 2008. The remainder of the increase was due to facilities expenses, which increased by approximately $1.5 million over the same period in 2008.  This increase was attributable to: (a) a $0.6 million increase in rent expense resulting from the expansion of our Melrose Park, Illinois and Vine Street, Ohio campuses, our  new campus in Toledo, Ohio and lease extensions at our existing campuses; (b) a $0.6 million increase in repairs and maintenance costs due to higher common area charges relating to our lease expansions and new locations; and (c) a $0.4 million increase in real-estate taxes due to additional campus space as well as annual property value and tax rate increases.  Educational services and facilities expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased to 40.3% from 42.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.

 
18

The increase in administrative expenses during the six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008 was primarily due to: (a) a $5.3 million increase in personnel costs, relating to annual compensation increases, increased number of personnel associated with the opening of our new Toledo, Ohio campus as well as our higher student population during the six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008,  increased accruals for incentive compensation and increased cost of benefits provided to employees; (b) a $4.4 million increase in bad debt expense; (c) $0.5 million of  legal costs; (d) a $0.4 million increase in software maintenance expenses resulting from increased software licenses for our student management system; (e) $0.3 million incurred due to the re-branding of our Florida Culinary Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida; (f) $1.3 million of costs incurred related to our acquisition of BAR expensed in accordance with SFAS No. 141R; and (g) $0.4 million related to repairs and maintenance of equipment and general administrative supplies.  As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2009 decreased to 49.9% from 54.8% for the same period in 2008.
 
 
 
 
At June 30, 2009, we had $12.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, representing a decrease of approximately $2.6 million as compared to $15.2 million as of December 31, 2008.  Historically, we have financed our operating activities and organic growth primarily through cash generated from operations.  We have financed acquisitions primarily through borrowings under our credit agreement and cash generated from operations.  During the first six months of 2009, we borrowed $44.0 million to finance our acquisition of BAR and to finance our working capital needs and subsequently repaid $39.0 million.  We currently anticipate that we will be able to meet both our short-term cash needs, as well as our need to fund operations and meet our obligations beyond the next twelve months with cash generated by operations, existing cash balances and, if necessary, borrowings under our credit agreement. In February 2009, we sold common stock in a public offering and received net proceeds of approximately $14.9 million.  The proceeds of this offering were used to repay borrowings under our credit agreement.  In addition, we may also consider accessing the financial markets in the future as a source of liquidity for capital requirements, acquisitions and general corporate purposes to the extent such requirements are not satisfied by cash on hand, borrowings under our credit agreement or operating cash flows.  However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to raise additional capital on favorable terms, if at all.  At June 30, 2009, we had net borrowings available under our $100 million credit agreement of approximately $89.4 million, including a $14.4 million sub-limit on letters of credit.  The credit agreement terminates on February 15, 2010.  We intend to refinance our credit agreement prior to the maturity date; however we cannot assure you that we will be able to do so or that any refinancing would be on terms favorable to us.
 
Our primary source of cash is tuition collected from our students. The majority of students enrolled at our schools rely on funds received under various government-sponsored student financial aid programs to pay a substantial portion of their tuition and other education-related expenses. The largest of these programs are Title IV Programs which represented approximately 79% of our cash receipts relating to revenues in 2008. Students must apply for a new loan for each academic period. Federal regulations dictate the timing of disbursements of funds under Title IV Programs and loan funds are generally provided by lenders in two disbursements for each academic year. The first disbursement is usually received approximately 31 days after the start of a student's academic year and the second disbursement is typically received at the beginning of the sixteenth week from the start of the student's academic year. Certain types of grants and other funding are not subject to a 30-day delay. Our programs range from 14 to 102 weeks. In certain instances, if a student withdraws from a program prior to a specified date, any paid but unearned tuition or prorated Title IV financial aid is refunded according to state and federal regulations.

 
19

 
 
 
 

 
20

 
 
 
 
Our net revenues and operating results normally fluctuate as a result of seasonal variations in our business, principally due to changes in total student population. Student population varies as a result of new student enrollments, graduations and student attrition. Historically, our schools have had lower student populations in our first and second quarters and we have experienced large class starts in the third and fourth quarters and student attrition in the first half of the year. Our second half growth is largely dependent on a successful high school recruiting season. We recruit our high school students several months ahead of their scheduled start dates, and thus, while we have visibility on the number of students who have expressed interest in attending our schools, we cannot predict with certainty the actual number of new student enrollments and the related impact on revenue. Our expenses, however, do not vary significantly over the course of the year with changes in our student population and net revenues. During the first half of the year, we make significant investments in marketing, staff, programs and facilities to ensure that we meet our second half of the year targets and, as a result, such expenses do not fluctuate significantly on a quarterly basis. To the extent new student enrollments, and related revenues, in the second half of the year fall short of our estimates, our operating results could suffer. We expect quarterly fluctuations in operating results to continue as a result of seasonal enrollment patterns. Such patterns may change as a result of new school openings, new program introductions, and increased enrollments of adult students and/or acquisitions.
 
 
 

 
21

 
(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.  Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the quarterly period covered by this report, have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are adequate and effective to reasonably ensure that material information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by Securities and Exchange Commissions’ Rules and Forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
 
 
 
Item 4.   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
At our annual meeting held on April 30, 2009, the shareholders voted to approve all of management’s proposals as follows:

1.           For the election of ten directors to hold office until our next annual meeting, the voting for each nominee was:

   
Votes For
   
Votes Withheld
 
Peter S. Burgess
    24,981,557       393,260  
James J. Burke, Jr.
    20,781,768       4,593,049  
David F. Carney
    24,936,551       438,266  
Celia H. Currin
    24,981,557       393,260  
Paul E. Glaske
    21,973,159       3,401,658  
Charles F. Kalmbach
    21,982,658       3,392,159  
Shaun E. McAlmont
    24,905,232       469,585  
Alexis P. Michas
    21,158,795       4,216,022  
J. Barry Morrow
    25,011,313       363,504  
Jerry G. Rubenstein
    25,010,092       364,725  

2.           For the amendment of the Company’s 2005 Non-Employee Directors Restricted Stock Plan:

Votes For
Votes Against
Abstained
Not Voted
19,874,933
3,948,783
385,457
1,165,644

3.           For ratifying the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our fiscal year ending December 31, 2009:

Votes For
Votes Against
Abstained
24,685,098
3,292
5,450

 
22


Item 6.  EXHIBITS
 
EXHIBIT INDEX

The following exhibits are filed with or incorporated by reference into this Form 10-Q.

Exhibit
Number
 
 
Description
     
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (1).
     
3.2
 
Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company (2).
     
4.1
 
Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of September 15, 1999, among Lincoln Technical Institute, Inc., Back to School Acquisition, L.L.C. and Five Mile River Capital Partners LLC (1).
     
4.2
 
Letter agreement, dated August 9, 2000, by Back to School Acquisition, L.L.C., amending the Stockholders’ Agreement (1).
     
4.3
 
Letter agreement, dated August 9, 2000, by Lincoln Technical Institute, Inc., amending the Stockholders’ Agreement (1).
     
4.4
 
Management Stockholders Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2002, by and among Lincoln Technical Institute, Inc., Back to School Acquisition, L.L.C. and the Stockholders and other holders of options under the Management Stock Option Plan listed therein (1).
     
4.5
 
Assumption Agreement and First Amendment to Management Stockholders Agreement, dated as of December 20, 2007, by and among Lincoln Educational Services Corporation, Lincoln Technical Institute, Inc., Back to School Acquisition, L.L.C. and the Management Investors parties therein (6).
     
4.6
 
Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and Back to School Acquisition, L.L.C. (2).
     
4.7
 
Specimen Stock Certificate evidencing shares of common stock (1).
     
10.1
 
Credit Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2005, among the Company, the Guarantors from time to time parties thereto, the Lenders from time to time parties thereto and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as Administrative Agent (1).
     
10.2
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2007, between the Company and David F. Carney (3).
     
10.3
 
Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2009, between the Company and David F. Carney (8).
     
10.4
 
Separation and Release Agreement, dated as of October 15, 2007, between the Company and Lawrence E. Brown (4).
     
10.5
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2007, between the Company and Scott M. Shaw (3).
     
10.6
 
Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2009, between the company and Scott M. Shaw (8).
     
10.7
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2007, between the Company and Cesar Ribeiro (3).
     
10.8
 
Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2009, between the company and Cesar Ribeiro (8).
 
 
23

 
10.9
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2007, between the Company and Shaun E. McAlmont (3).
     
10.10
 
Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2009, between the company and Shaun E. McAlmont (8).
     
10.11
 
Lincoln Educational Services Corporation 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan (1).
     
10.12
 
Lincoln Educational Services Corporation 2005 Non Employee Directors Restricted Stock Plan (1).
     
10.13
 
Lincoln Educational Services Corporation 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan (1).
     
10.14
 
Lincoln Technical Institute Management Stock Option Plan, effective January 1, 2002 (1).
     
10.15
 
Form of Stock Option Agreement, dated January 1, 2002, between Lincoln Technical Institute, Inc. and certain participants (1).
     
10.16
 
Form of Stock Option Agreement under our 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan (7).
     
10.17
 
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under our 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan (7).
     
10.18
 
Management Stock Subscription Agreement, dated January 1, 2002, among Lincoln Technical Institute, Inc. and certain management investors (1).
     
10.19
 
Stockholder’s Agreement among Lincoln Educational Services Corporation, Back to School Acquisition L.L.C., Steven W. Hart and Steven W. Hart 2003 Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (2).
     
10.20
 
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2006, among Lincoln Technical Institute, Inc., and Richard I. Gouse, Andrew T. Gouse, individually and as Trustee of the Carolyn Beth Gouse Irrevocable Trust, Seth A. Kurn and Steven L. Meltzer (5).
     
10.21
 
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 20, 2009, among Lincoln Technical Institute, Inc., NN Acquisition, LLC, Brad Baran, Barbara Baran, UGP Education Partners, LLC, UGPE Partners Inc. and Merion Investment Partners, L.P (8).
     
10.22
 
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 20, 2009, among Lincoln Technical Institute, Inc., NN Acquisition, LLC, Brad Baran, Barbara Baran, UGP Education Partners, LLC, Merion Investment Partners, L.P. and, for certain limited purposes only, UGPE Partners Inc (8).
     
 
Certification of President & Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
 
Certification of President & Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
________________________________________________
 
(1)
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-123664).
 
(2)
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K dated June 28, 2005.

(3)
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

(4)
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K dated October 15, 2007.
 
(5)
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006.
 
(6)
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-148406).

(7)
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

(8)
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

*
Filed herewith.

 
24


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

 
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION
 
       
       
Date: August 5, 2009
By:
/s/ Cesar Ribeiro
 
   
Cesar Ribeiro
   
Chief Financial Officer
   
 (Duly Authorized Officer, Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
 
 
25