UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

☒	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2021

or

☐	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the transition period from to

Commission File Number: 001-34211

GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	20-3356009
(State or other jurisdiction of Incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

2600 W. Camelback Road

Phoenix, Arizona 85017

(Address, including zip code, of principal executive offices)

(602) 247-4400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock	LOPE	Nasdaq Global Select Market

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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.:

Large Accelerated Filer     ☒	Accelerated Filer                      ☐
Non-accelerated Filer       ☐	Smaller Reporting Company     ☐
	Emerging Growth Company     ☐

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 November 2, 2021, was 40,073,608.

GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.

FORM 10-Q

INDEX

	Page
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION	3
Item 1 Financial Statements	3
Item 2 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	22
Item 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	34
Item 4 Controls and Procedures	34
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION	35
Item 1 Legal Proceedings	35
Item 1A Risk Factors	35
Item 2 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	35
Item 3 Defaults Upon Senior Securities	36
Item 4 Mine Safety Disclosures	36
Item 5 Other Information	36
Item 6 Exhibits	37
SIGNATURES	38

2

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.Financial Statements

GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.

Consolidated Income Statements

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
(In thousands, except per share data)	2021		2020		2021		2020
Service revenue	$	206,767	$	198,384	$	645,188	$	605,807
Costs and expenses:
Technology and academic services		35,536		30,751		101,263		84,179
Counseling services and support		62,209		58,214		184,380		176,029
Marketing and communication		47,150		42,244		140,326		126,042
General and administrative		14,451		14,031		33,114		33,097
Amortization of intangible assets		2,105		2,105		6,315		6,315
Total costs and expenses		161,451		147,345		465,398		425,662
Operating income		45,316		51,039		179,790		180,145
Interest income on Secured Note		15,031		14,885		44,353		44,318
Interest expense		(741)		(918)		(2,303)		(3,537)
Investment interest and other		218		181		577		793
Income before income taxes		59,824		65,187		222,417		221,719
Income tax expense		12,166		13,141		47,186		51,278
Net income	$	47,658	$	52,046	$	175,231	$	170,441
Earnings per share:
Basic income per share	$	1.08	$	1.11	$	3.87	$	3.62
Diluted income per share	$	1.08	$	1.11	$	3.86	$	3.60
Basic weighted average shares outstanding		44,212		46,808		45,272		47,051
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		44,298		47,095		45,404		47,336

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

3

GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

	September 30,		December 31,
(In thousands, except par value)	2021		2020
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS:
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	61,002	$	245,769
Investments		—		10,840
Accounts receivable, net		95,165		62,189
Interest receivable on Secured Note		4,850		5,011
Income tax receivable		1,745		1,294
Other current assets		10,635		8,639
Total current assets		173,397		333,742
Property and equipment, net		134,508		128,657
Right-of-use assets		57,245		61,020
Secured Note receivable, net		964,912		964,912
Amortizable intangible assets, net		187,323		193,638
Goodwill		160,766		160,766
Other assets		2,310		1,844
Total assets	$	1,680,461	$	1,844,579
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	40,667	$	16,583
Accrued compensation and benefits		42,980		34,248
Accrued liabilities		26,531		21,945
Income taxes payable		50		5,405
Deferred revenue		3,204		—
Current portion of lease liability		7,495		7,393
Current portion of notes payable		82,915		33,144
Total current liabilities		203,842		118,718
Deferred income taxes, noncurrent		22,621		20,288
Other long term liability		43		3
Lease liability, less current portion		53,179		56,611
Notes payable, less current portion		—		74,630
Total liabilities		279,685		270,250
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020		—		—
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized; 53,637 and 53,277 shares issued and 43,054 and 46,649 shares outstanding at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively		536		533
Treasury stock, at cost, 10,583 and 6,628 shares of common stock at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively		(663,558)		(303,379)
Additional paid-in capital		293,859		282,467
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		—		—
Retained earnings		1,769,939		1,594,708
Total stockholders’ equity		1,400,776		1,574,329
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,680,461	$	1,844,579

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

4

GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
									Accumulated
							Additional		Other
	Common Stock			Treasury Stock			Paid-in		Comprehensive		Retained
	Shares	Par Value		Shares	Cost		Capital		Loss		Earnings		Total
Balance at December 31, 2020	53,277	$	533	6,628	$	(303,379)	$	282,467	$	—	$	1,594,708	$	1,574,329
Comprehensive income	—		—	—		—		—		(120)		78,112		77,992
Common stock purchased for treasury	—		—	567		(56,348)		(7,000)		—		—		(63,348)
Share-based compensation	180		1	56		(5,994)		3,018		—		—		(2,975)
Exercise of stock options	176		2	—		—		2,678		—		—		2,680
Balance at March 31, 2021	53,633	$	536	7,251	$	(365,721)	$	281,163	$	(120)	$	1,672,820	$	1,588,678
Comprehensive income	—		—	—		—		—		(65)		49,461		49,396
Common stock purchased for treasury	—		—	982		(95,331)		(3,000)		—		—		(98,331)
Restricted shares forfeited	—		—	8		—		—		—		—		—
Share-based compensation	4		—	—		—		2,940		—		—		2,940
Balance at June 30, 2021	53,637	$	536	8,241	$	(461,052)	$	281,103	$	(185)	$	1,722,281	$	1,542,683
Comprehensive income	—		—	—		—		—		185		47,658		47,843
Common stock purchased for treasury	—		—	2,324		(202,506)		10,000		—		—		(192,506)
Restricted shares forfeited	—		—	18		—		—		—		—		—
Share-based compensation	—		—	—		—		2,756		—		—		2,756
Balance at September 30, 2021	53,637	$	536	10,583	$	(663,558)	$	293,859	$	—	$	1,769,939	$	1,400,776

5

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
									Accumulated
							Additional		Other
	Common Stock			Treasury Stock			Paid-in		Comprehensive		Retained
	Shares	Par Value		Shares	Cost		Capital		Loss		Earnings		Total
Balance at December 31, 2019	53,054	$	531	4,949	$	(169,365)	$	270,923	$	—	$	1,341,344	$	1,443,433
Cumulative effect from the adoption of accounting pronouncements, net of taxes of $1,168	—		—	—		—		—		—		(3,832)		(3,832)
Comprehensive income	—		—	—		—		—		—		71,385		71,385
Common stock purchased for treasury	—		—	787		(60,737)		—		—		—		(60,737)
Restricted shares forfeited	—		—	10		—		—		—		—		—
Share-based compensation	164		1	62		(4,969)		2,655		—		—		(2,313)
Exercise of stock options	3		—	—		—		72		—		—		72
Balance at March 31, 2020	53,221	$	532	5,808	$	(235,071)	$	273,650	$	—	$	1,408,897	$	1,448,008
Comprehensive income	—		—	—		—		—		—		47,010		47,010
Common stock purchased for treasury	—		—	111		(8,311)		—		—		—		(8,311)
Share-based compensation	3		—	—		—		2,678		—		—		2,678
Exercise of stock options	1		—	—		—		2		—		—		2
Balance at June 30, 2020	53,225	$	532	5,919	$	(243,382)	$	276,330	$	—	$	1,455,907	$	1,489,387
Comprehensive income	—		—	—		—		—		—		52,046		52,046
Common stock purchased for treasury	—		—	266		(23,267)		—		—		—		(23,267)
Restricted shares forfeited	—		—	1		—		—		—		—		—
Share-based compensation	—		—	—		—		2,713		—		—		2,713
Exercise of stock options	6		—	—		—		104		—		—		104
Balance at September 30, 2020	53,231	$	532	6,186	$	(266,649)	$	279,147	$	—	$	1,507,953	$	1,520,983

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

6

GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
(In thousands)	2021		2020
Cash flows provided by operating activities:
Net income	$	175,231	$	170,441
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Share-based compensation		8,715		8,047
Depreciation and amortization		16,401		15,839
Amortization of intangible assets		6,315		6,315
Deferred income taxes		2,333		2,136
Other, including fixed asset impairments		478		344
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and interest receivable from university partners		(32,815)		(40,112)
Other assets		(2,451)		(6,021)
Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities		445		1,667
Accounts payable		23,487		(50)
Accrued liabilities		13,358		19,627
Income taxes receivable/payable		(5,806)		(8,370)
Deferred revenue		3,204		10,220
Net cash provided by operating activities		208,895		180,083
Cash flows used in investing activities:
Capital expenditures		(21,352)		(22,156)
Additions of amortizable content		(409)		(238)
Funding to GCU		(190,000)		(75,000)
Repayment by GCU		190,000		75,000
Purchases of investments		(56,335)		—
Proceeds from sale or maturity of investments		66,792		8,653
Net cash used in investing activities		(11,304)		(13,741)
Cash flows used in financing activities:
Principal payments on notes payable		(24,859)		(24,858)
Repurchase of common shares including shares withheld in lieu of income taxes		(360,179)		(97,284)
Net proceeds from exercise of stock options		2,680		178
Net cash used in financing activities		(382,358)		(121,964)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash		(184,767)		44,378
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period		245,769		122,572
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	$	61,002	$	166,950
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid for interest	$	2,399	$	3,536
Cash paid for income taxes	$	48,408	$	54,114
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable	$	1,802	$	1,022
Allowance for credit losses of $5,000, net of taxes of $1,168 from adoption of ASU 2016-13	$	—	$	3,832
ROU Asset and Liability recognition	$	3,775	$	31,173

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

7

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)

1. Nature of Business

Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company” or “GCE”) is a publicly traded education services company dedicated to serving colleges and universities. GCE has developed significant technological solutions, infrastructure and operational processes to provide services to these institutions on a large scale. GCE’s most significant university partner is Grand Canyon University (“GCU”), an Arizona non-profit corporation, a comprehensive regionally accredited university that offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs, emphases and certificates across nine colleges both online, on ground at its campus in Phoenix, Arizona and at two off-campus classroom and laboratory sites.

In January 2019, GCE began providing education services to numerous university partners across the United States, through our wholly owned subsidiary, Orbis Education, which we acquired, by merger on January 22, 2019 for $361,184, net of cash acquired (the “Acquisition”). In the healthcare field, GCE, together with Orbis Education, works in partnership with a growing number of top universities and healthcare networks across the country, offering healthcare-related academic programs at off-campus classroom and laboratory sites located near healthcare providers and developing high-quality, career-ready graduates who enter the workforce ready to meet the demands of the healthcare industry.

As of September 30, 2021, GCE provides education services to 27 university partners across the United States.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company has no components of other comprehensive income (loss), and therefore, comprehensive income equals net income.

Unaudited Interim Financial Information

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10, consistent in all material respects with those applied in its financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. They do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Such interim financial information is unaudited but reflects all adjustments that in the opinion of management are necessary for the fair presentation of the interim periods presented. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and footnotes included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 from which the December 31, 2020 balance sheet information was derived.

Investments

At December 31, 2020, the Company considered its investments in corporate bonds, commercial paper, municipal securities, asset backed securities, municipal bonds, and collateralized mortgage obligations as trading securities. These securities were carried at fair value determined using Level 1 and Level 2 of the hierarchy of valuation inputs, with the use of quoted market prices and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets.

8

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)

Arrangements with GCU

On July 1, 2018, the Company consummated an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”) with GCU. In conjunction with the Asset Purchase Agreement, we received a secured note from GCU as consideration for the transferred assets (the “Transferred Assets”) in the initial principal amount of $870,097 (the “Secured Note”). The Secured Note contains customary commercial credit terms, including affirmative and negative covenants applicable to GCU, and provides that the Secured Note bears interest at an annual rate of 6.0%, has a maturity date of June 30, 2025, and is secured by all of the assets of GCU. The Secured Note provides for GCU to make interest only payments during the term, with all principal and accrued and unpaid interest due at maturity and also provides that we may loan additional amounts to GCU to fund approved capital expenditures. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had loaned $99,815 to GCU, net of repayments. In connection with the closing of the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Company and GCU entered into a long-term master services agreement pursuant to which the Company provides identified technology and academic services, counseling services and support, marketing and communication services, and several back-office services to GCU in return for 60% of GCU’s tuition and fee revenue. Except for identified liabilities assumed by GCU, GCE retained responsibility for all liabilities of the business arising from pre-closing operations.

Internally Developed Software

The Company capitalizes certain costs related to internal-use software, primarily consisting of direct labor associated with creating the software. Software development projects generally include three stages: the preliminary project stage (all costs are expensed as incurred), the application development stage (certain costs are capitalized and certain costs are expensed as incurred) and the post-implementation or operation stage (all costs are expensed as incurred). Costs capitalized in the application development stage include costs of design, coding, integration, and testing of the software developed. Capitalization of costs requires judgment in determining when a project has reached the application development stage and the period over which we expect to benefit from the use of that software. Once the software is placed in service, these costs are amortized straight-line over the estimated useful life of the software, which is generally three years. These assets are a component of our property and equipment, net in our consolidated balance sheets.

Capitalized Content Development

The Company capitalizes certain costs to fulfill a contract related to the development and digital creation of content on a course-by-course basis for each university partner, many times in conjunction with faculty and subject matter experts. The Company is responsible for the conversion of instructional materials to an on-line format, including outlines, quizzes, lectures, and articles in accordance with the educational guidelines provided to us by our university partners, prior to the respective course commencing. We also capitalize the creation of learning objects which are digital assets such as online demonstrations, simulations, and case studies used to obtain learning objectives.

Costs that are capitalized include payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated and spend time producing content and payments to faculty and subject matter experts involved in the process.  The Company starts capitalizing content costs when it begins to develop or to convert a particular course, resources have been assigned and a timeline has been set. The content asset is placed in service when all work is complete and the curriculum could be used for instruction. Capitalized content development assets are included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. The Company has concluded that the most appropriate method to amortize the deferred content assets is on a straight-line basis over the estimated life of the course, which is generally four years which corresponds with course’s review and major revision cycle. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, $1,209 and $1,198, respectively, net of amortization, of deferred content assets are included in other assets, long-term in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and amortization is included in technical and academic services where the costs originated.

9

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)

Leases

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception and evaluates the lease agreement to determine whether the lease is a finance or operating lease. Right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement to determine the present value of lease payments over the lease term. At lease inception, the Company determines the lease term by assuming no exercises of renewal options, due to the Company’s constantly changing geographical needs for its university partners. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded in the consolidated balance sheets and are recognized as lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, and the non-lease components are accounted for separately and not included in our ROU assets and lease liabilities. Leases primarily consist of off-campus classroom and laboratory site locations and office space.

Business Combinations

The purchase price of an acquisition is allocated to the assets acquired, including tangible and intangible assets, and liabilities assumed, based on their respective fair values at the acquisition date. The excess of the fair value of the purchase price over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Transaction costs associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred and are recorded in the loss on transaction in the consolidated financial statements. The determination of the fair value and useful lives of the intangible assets acquired involves certain judgments and estimates. These judgements can include, but are not limited to, the cash flows that an asset is expected to generate in the future and the appropriate weighted average cost of capital. The net assets and result of operations of an acquired entity are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date.

Goodwill and Amortizable Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the amount assigned to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if circumstances indicate potential impairment. Goodwill is allocated to our reporting unit at the education services segment, which is the same as the entity as a whole (entity level reporting unit). The Company has concluded there is one operating segment and one reporting unit for goodwill impairment consideration. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) has issued guidance that permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The Company reviews goodwill at least annually or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount.

Finite-lived intangible assets that are acquired in a business combination are recorded at fair value on their acquisition dates and are amortized using a method that reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are consumed or on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the intangible asset if the pattern of economic benefit cannot be reliability determined. Finite-lived intangible assets consist of university partner relationships and trade names. The Company reviews its finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an intangible asset may not be recoverable. There were no indicators that the carrying amount of the finite-lived intangible assets were impaired as of September 30, 2021. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If such intangible assets are not recoverable, a potential impairment loss is recognized to the extent the carrying amounts of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

10

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)

Acquisition

On January 22, 2019, GCE acquired Orbis Education for $361,184 (inclusive of closing date adjustments and net of cash acquired). The Acquisition was accounted for in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting. Under this method the cost of the target is allocated to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The estimated fair values of current assets and liabilities were based upon their historical costs on the date of acquisition due to their short-term nature. The majority of property and equipment were also estimated based upon historical costs as they approximated fair value. Identified intangible assets of $210,280 consisted primarily of university partner relationships that were valued at $210,000. The fair value of university partner relationships was determined using the multiple-period excess earnings method. The fair value of the assets acquired, less the liabilities assumed, exceeded the purchase price by $157,825 which was recorded as goodwill.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for share-based payment awards made to employees and directors. The fair value of the Company’s restricted stock awards is based on the market price of its common stock on the date of grant. Stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock grants is expensed over the vesting period using the straight-line method for Company employees and the Company’s board of directors. The Company recognizes forfeitures as they occur.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued compensation and benefits and accrued liabilities expenses approximate their fair value based on the liquidity or the short-term maturities of these instruments. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 the fair value of the Company’s Secured Note was $1,037,256 and $1,049,458, respectively. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 the carrying value of Secured Note receivable was $964,912 for both periods. The carrying value of notes payable approximates fair value as it is based on variable rate index.

The fair value of investments was determined using Level 1 and Level 2 of the hierarchy of valuation inputs, with the use of inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets. The unit of account used for valuation is the individual underlying security.  The basis for fair value measurements for each level is described below, with Level 1 having the highest priority.

-Level 1 – inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

-Level 2 – inputs are quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in non-active markets; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant valuation drivers are observable.

Investments are comprised of corporate bonds, commercial paper, municipal securities, asset backed securities, municipal bonds, and collateralized mortgage obligations.

Revenue Recognition

The Company generates all of its revenue through services agreements with its university partners (“Services Agreements”), pursuant to which the Company provides integrated technology and academic services, marketing and communication services, and back office services to its university partners in return for a percentage of tuition and fee revenue.

11

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)

The Company’s Services Agreements have initial terms ranging from 7-15 years, subject to renewal options, although certain agreements may give the university partners the right to terminate early if certain conditions are met. The Company’s Services Agreements have a single performance obligation, as the promises to provide the identified services are not distinct within the context of these agreements. The single performance obligation is delivered as our partners receive and consume benefits, which occurs ratably over a series of distinct service periods (daily or semester). Service revenue is recognized over time using the output method of measuring progress towards complete satisfaction of the single performance obligation. The output method provides a faithful depiction of the performance toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation and can be tied to the time elapsed which is consumed evenly over the service period and is a direct measurement of the value provided to our partners. The service fees received from our partners over the term of the agreement are variable in nature in that they are dependent upon the number of students attending the university partner’s program and revenues generated from those students during the service period. Due to the variable nature of the consideration over the life of the service arrangement, the Company considered forming an expectation of the variable consideration to be received over the service life of this one performance obligation. However, since the performance obligation represents a series of distinct services, the Company recognizes the variable consideration that becomes known and billable because these fees relate to the distinct service period in which the fees are earned. The Company meets the criteria in the standard and exercises the practical expedient to not disclose the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the single performance obligation that is unsatisfied as of the end of the reporting period. The Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations because the directly allocable variable consideration is allocated entirely to a wholly unsatisfied promise to transfer a service that forms part of a single performance obligation. The service fees are calculated and settled per the terms of the Services Agreements and result in a settlement duration of less than one year for all partners. There are no refunds or return rights under the Services Agreements.

The Company’s receivables represent unconditional rights to consideration from our Services Agreements with our university partners. Accounts receivable, net is stated at amortized cost, net of any allowance for credit losses and contains billed and unbilled revenue. The Company evaluates the need for an allowance for credit losses using relevant available information about expected credit losses, including information about historical credit losses, past events, current conditions, and other factors which may affect the collectability of receivables. There have been no amounts written off and no allowance for credit losses established as of September 30, 2021 given historical collection experience. The Company will continue to review and revise its allowance methodology based on its collection experience with its partners.

For our partners with unbilled revenue, revenue recognition occurs in advance of billings. Billings for some university partners do not occur until after the service period has commenced and final enrollment information is available. Our unbilled revenue of $11,604 and $294 as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, are included in accounts receivable in our consolidated balance sheets. Deferred revenue represents the excess of amounts received as compared to amounts recognized in revenue on our consolidated statements of income as of the end of the reporting period, and such amounts are reflected as a current liability on our consolidated balance sheets. We generally receive payments for our services billed within 30 days of invoice. These payments are recorded as deferred revenue until the services are delivered and revenue is recognized.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company records its accounts receivable and Secured Note receivable at the net amount expected to be collected. Our accounts receivable are derived through education services provided to university partners. Our Secured Note receivable was derived through the sale of university related assets to our most significant university partner, GCU. The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses resulting from our university partners not making payments. The Company determines the adequacy of the allowance by periodically evaluating each university partners balance, considering their financial condition and credit history, and considering current and forecasted economic conditions. Since our transition to an education services company on July 1, 2018, and continued growth to 27 university partners,

12

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)

the Company has no credit losses with any of our university partners. In the first quarter of 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments using a modified retrospective approach. This model requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information and requires the Company to estimate expected credit losses including a measure of the expected risk of credit loss even if that risk is remote over the lifetime of the asset. Upon adoption, the Company recorded a reserve of $5,000 on its long-term Secured Note receivable. The cumulative effect for the Company upon adoption of this new standard was $3,832, net of taxes of $1,168. Bad debt expense is recorded as a technology and academic services expense in the consolidated income statements. The Company will continue to actively monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on expected credit losses.

Technology and Academic Services

Technology and academic services consist primarily of costs related to ongoing maintenance of educational infrastructure, including online course delivery and management, student records, assessment, customer relations management and other internal administrative systems. This also includes costs to provide support for content development, faculty training, development and other faculty support, technology support, rent and occupancy costs for university partners’ off-campus locations, and assistance with state compliance. This expense category includes salaries, benefits and share-based compensation, information technology costs, amortization of content development costs and other costs associated with these support services. This category also includes an allocation of depreciation, amortization, and occupancy costs attributable to the provision of certain services, primarily at the Company’s Phoenix, Arizona and Indianapolis, Indiana locations.

Counseling Services and Support

Counseling services and support consist primarily of costs including team-based counseling and other support to prospective and current students as well as financial aid processing. This expense category includes salaries, benefits and share-based compensation, and other costs such as dues, fees and subscriptions and travel costs. This category also includes an allocation of depreciation, amortization, lease expense, and occupancy costs attributable to the provision of certain services, primarily at the Company’s Phoenix, Arizona and Indianapolis, Indiana locations.

Marketing and Communication

Marketing and communication includes lead acquisition, digital communication strategies, brand identity advertising, media planning and strategy, video, data science and analysis, marketing to potential students and other promotional and communication services. This expense category includes salaries, benefits and share-based compensation for marketing and communication personnel, brand advertising, marketing leads and other promotional and communication expenses. This category also includes an allocation of depreciation, amortization, lease expense, and occupancy costs attributable to the provision of certain services, primarily at the Company’s Phoenix, Arizona and Indianapolis, Indiana locations. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

General and Administrative

General and administrative expenses include salaries, benefits and share-based compensation of employees engaged in corporate management, finance, human resources, compliance, and other corporate functions. This category also includes an allocation of depreciation, amortization, lease expense, and occupancy costs attributable to the provision of these services, primarily at the Company’s Phoenix, Arizona and Indianapolis, Indiana locations.

13

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)

Commitments and Contingencies

The Company accrues for contingent obligations when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount is reasonably estimable. When the Company becomes aware of a claim or potential claim, the likelihood of any loss exposure is assessed. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss is estimable, the Company records a liability for the estimated loss. If the loss is not probable or the amount of the potential loss is not estimable, the Company will disclose the claim if the likelihood of a potential loss is reasonably possible and the amount of the potential loss could be material. Estimates that are particularly sensitive to future changes include tax, legal, and other regulatory matters, which are subject to change as events evolve, and as additional information becomes available during the administrative and litigation process. The Company expenses legal fees as incurred.

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company believes the credit risk related to cash equivalents and investments is limited due to its adherence to an investment policy that requires investments to have a minimum BBB rating, depending on the type of security, by one major rating agency at the time of purchase. All of the Company’s cash equivalents and investments as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consist of investments rated BBB or higher by at least one rating agency. Additionally, the Company utilizes more than one financial institution to conduct initial and ongoing credit analysis on its investment portfolio to monitor and lower the potential impact of market risk associated with its cash equivalents and investment portfolio. The Company is also subject to credit risk for its accounts receivable balance and its Secured Note. The Company has not experienced any losses on receivables since July 1, 2018, the date the Company transitioned to an educational service provider. To manage accounts receivable risk, the Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts, if needed. The Company monitors the credit risk exposure of the counterparty of the Secured Note to determine whether an adjustment to allowance for credit loss is necessary. A significant deterioration in the financial viability of our counterparty and corresponding decline in the fair value of the collateralized assets could impact the collectability risk of the Secured Note. Our dependence on our most significant university partner, which is also the counterparty to the Secured Note, with 85.0% and 86.5% of total service revenue for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, subjects us to the risk that declines in our customer’s operations would result in a sustained reduction in service revenue and interest income on the Secured Note for the Company.

Use of Estimates

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

Segment Information

The Company operates as a single education services company using a core infrastructure that serves the curriculum and educational delivery needs of its university partners. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer manages the Company’s operations as a whole and no expense or operating income information is generated or evaluated on any component level.

14

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)

Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2021

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. This ASU is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and clarifying certain aspects of the current guidance to promote consistency among reporting entities. ASU 2019-12 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. Accordingly, the standard was adopted by the Company as of January 1, 2021. Most amendments within this ASU are required to be applied on a prospective basis, while certain amendments must be applied on a retrospective or modified retrospective basis. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or statements of cash flows.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

The Company has determined that no other recent accounting pronouncements apply to its operations or could otherwise have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

3. Investments

At December 31, 2020, the Company had investments of $10,840 classified as trading. The trading investments are held in municipal and corporate securities. The cash flows of municipal securities are backed by the issuing municipality’s credit-worthiness.

As of September 30, 2021, there were no unrealized gains or losses for available-for sale debt securities as all matured or were sold by September 30, 2021. Available-for-sale debt securities are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company estimates the lifetime expected credit losses for all available-for sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position. If our assessment indicates that an expected credit loss exists, we determine the portion of the unrealized loss attributable to credit deterioration and record a reserve for the expected credit loss in the allowance for credit losses in technology and academic services in our consolidated income statements.

4. Net Income Per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflects the assumed conversion of all potentially dilutive securities, consisting of stock options and restricted stock awards, for which the estimated fair value exceeds the exercise price, less shares which could have been purchased with the related proceeds, unless anti-dilutive. For employee equity awards, repurchased shares are also included for any unearned compensation adjusted for tax. The table below reflects the calculation of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, on an as if converted basis, used in computing basic and diluted earnings per common share.

	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
	September 30,		September 30,
	2021	2020	2021	2020
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	44,212	46,808	45,272	47,051
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock	86	287	132	285
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	44,298	47,095	45,404	47,336

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding excludes the incremental effect of unvested restricted stock and shares that would be issued upon the assumed exercise of stock options in accordance with the treasury stock method.

15

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)

For the three month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, approximately 73 and 79, respectively, and for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, approximately 25 and 148, respectively, of the Company’s restricted stock awards outstanding were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. These restricted stock awards could be dilutive in the future.

5. Allowance for Credit Losses

	Balance at				Balance at
	Beginning of		Charged to	Deductions/	End of
	Period (1)		Expense	Transfers (2)	Period
Allowance for credit losses
Nine months ended September 30, 2021	$	5,000	—	—	$	5,000
Nine months ended September 30, 2020	$	5,000	—	—	$	5,000

(1) Amount represents the cumulative effect of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on the Secured Note.

(2) Deductions represent accounts written off, net of recoveries.

6. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consist of the following:

	September 30,		December 31,
	2021		2020
Land	$	5,579	$	5,579
Land improvements		2,242		2,242
Buildings		51,399		51,399
Buildings and leasehold improvements		17,027		14,352
Computer equipment		110,185		100,575
Furniture, fixtures and equipment		17,075		15,439
Internally developed software		50,485		46,981
Construction in progress		5,720		5,043
		259,712		241,610
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(125,204)		(112,953)
Property and equipment, net	$	134,508	$	128,657

7. Amortizable Intangible Assets

Amortizable intangible assets consist of the following as of:

	September 30, 2021
	Estimated	Gross				Net
	Average Useful	Carrying		Accumulated		Carrying
	Life (in years)	Amount		Amortization		Amount
University partner relationships	25	$	210,000	$	(22,677)	$	187,323
Trade names	1		280		(280)		—
Total amortizable intangible assets, net		$	210,280	$	(22,957)	$	187,323

16

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)

Amortization expense for university partner relationships and trade names for the years ending December 31:

Remainder of 2021	$	2,104
2022		8,419
2023		8,419
2024		8,419
2025		8,419
Thereafter		151,543
	$	187,323

8. Leases

The Company has operating leases for classroom site locations, office space, office equipment, and optical fiber communication lines. These leases have terms that range from four months to ten years. At lease inception, we determine the lease term by assuming no exercises of renewal options, due to the Company’s constantly changing geographical needs for its university partners. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded in the consolidated balance sheets and we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company had operating lease costs of $7,371 and $5,244 for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

As of September 30, 2021, the Company had no non-cancelable operating lease commitments that had not yet commenced. The Company’s weighted-average remaining lease term relating to its operating leases is 8.07 years, with a weighted-average discount rate of 3.1%. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had no financing leases.

Future payment obligations with respect to the Company’s operating leases, which were existing at September 30, 2021, by year and in the aggregate, are as follows:

Year Ending December 31,	Amount
Remainder of 2021	$	2,255
2022		9,296
2023		8,851
2024		8,359
2025		8,047
Thereafter		31,727
Total lease payments	$	68,535
Less interest		7,861
Present value of lease liabilities	$	60,674

9. Notes Payable and Other Noncurrent Liabilities

We entered into an amended and restated credit agreement dated January 22, 2019 and two related amendments dated January 31, 2019 and dated February 1, 2019, respectively, that together provide a credit facility of $325,000 comprised of a term loan facility of $243,750 and a revolving credit facility of $81,250, both with a five-year maturity date. The Company concluded that the amended and restated credit agreement is considered a loan modification. Accordingly, the Company allocated the costs paid to the bank consortium based on the borrowing dollars and recorded an asset of $596 and a contra liability of $1,639, which are related to our revolver and term loan, respectively, that is being amortized to interest expense over the five-year maturity date.

17

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)

The Company entered into a further amendment for the credit facility on October 31, 2019. This amendment increased the revolving commitment by $68,750 to $150,000, while reducing the term loan by the same $68,750 to $150,625. The Company concluded that this amendment is considered a loan modification. The amended and restated credit agreement contains standard covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability to incur additional debt or make certain investments, and require the Company to achieve certain financial ratios and maintain certain financial conditions. The Company’s obligations under the credit facility are secured by its assets, including all rights, benefits and payments under the Secured Note and the Master Services Agreement. As of September 30, 2021, the Company is in compliance with its financial covenants and the note payable totals $83,680, excluding the contra liability of $765.

	As of September 30,		As of December 31,
	2021		2020
Notes Payable
Note payable, quarterly payment of $8,368 starting December 31, 2019; interest at 30-Day LIBOR plus 2.00% (2.09% at September 30, 2021) through January 22, 2024	$	82,915	$	107,774
		82,915		107,774
Less: Current portion		82,915		33,144
	$	—	$	74,630

10. Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Matters

From time to time, the Company is a party to various lawsuits, claims, and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business, some of which are covered by insurance. When the Company is aware of a claim or potential claim, it assesses the likelihood of any loss or exposure. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, the Company records a liability for the loss. If the loss is not probable or the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, the Company discloses the nature of the specific claim if the likelihood of a potential loss is reasonably possible and the amount involved could be material. With respect to the majority of pending litigation matters, the Company’s ultimate legal and financial responsibility, if any, cannot be estimated with certainty and, in most cases, any potential losses related to those matters are not considered probable.

Upon resolution of any pending legal matters, the Company may incur charges in excess of presently established reserves. Management does not believe that any such charges would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Tax Reserves, Non-Income Tax Related

From time to time the Company has exposure to various non-income tax related matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company reserve is not material for tax matters where its ultimate exposure is considered probable and the potential loss can be reasonably estimated.

11. Share-Based Compensation

Incentive Plan

The Company makes equity incentive grants pursuant to our 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”) under which a maximum of 3,000 shares may be granted. As of September 30, 2021, 1,414 shares were available for grants under the 2017 Plan.

18

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)

Restricted Stock

During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company granted 180 shares of common stock with a service vesting condition to certain of its executives, officers and employees. The restricted shares have voting rights and vest in five annual installments of 20%, with the first installment vesting in March of the calendar year following the date of grant (the “first vesting date”) and subsequent installments vesting on each of the four anniversaries of the first vesting date. Upon vesting, shares will be withheld in lieu of taxes equivalent to the minimum statutory tax withholding required to be paid when the restricted stock vests. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company withheld 56 shares of common stock in lieu of taxes at a cost of $5,994 on the restricted stock vesting dates. In June 2021, following the annua