Zovio Inc Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results

CHANDLER, Ariz., Oct. 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Zovio Inc (NASDAQ: ZVO), an education technology services company, today announced its results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.

"We delivered a strong third quarter of 2020 with a return to low-single digit new enrollment growth and a 320 basis point improvement in student retention, the highest level since the second quarter of 2016. Additionally, our subsidiaries - Fullstack, TutorMe and Learn@Forbes - saw further momentum with new partnerships, increased usage and increases in subscriptions, respectively. As we near year end, we continue to target the closing of the sale of Ashford University to University of Arizona, marking our final step in Zovio's evolution to a world-class education technology services company. Our innovative, flexible and data-driven solutions will undoubtedly enhance our clients' efforts throughout the students life cycle, while at the same time allowing learners to achieve superior outcomes. We are optimistic as we look to our future, and believe there remains a significant value creation opportunity for all of our stakeholders," commented Andrew Clark, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Financial Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was $102.2 million, compared with revenue of $104.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

Operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was $0.7 million, compared with operating loss of $7.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was $1.1 million, compared with net loss of $7.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

Diluted income per share for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was $0.03, compared with diluted loss per share of $0.25 for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

The Company recognized an income tax benefit of approximately $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared with an income tax benefit of $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

Non-GAAP Financial Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

Non-GAAP operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was $2.9 million, compared with non-GAAP operating loss of $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. Non-GAAP operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2020 excludes restructuring and impairment expense of $0.2 million, separation transaction costs of $1.5 million and acquisition costs of $0.5 million. Non-GAAP operating loss for the three months ended September 30, 2019 excludes restructuring and impairment expense of $2.5 million, and separation transaction costs of $1.0 million and acquisition costs of $2.5 million.

Non-GAAP net income for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was $2.9 million, compared with non-GAAP net loss of $1.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. Non-GAAP net income for the three months ended September 30, 2020 excludes restructuring and impairment expense of $0.2 million, separation transaction costs of $1.5 million, acquisition costs of $0.5 million and an income tax benefit of approximately $0.4 million. Non-GAAP net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2019 excludes restructuring and impairment expense of $2.5 million, separation transaction costs of $1.0 million, acquisition costs of $2.5 million, as well as income tax expense of $0.1 million.

Non-GAAP diluted income per share for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was $0.09, compared with non-GAAP diluted loss per share of $0.05 for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

Financial Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $304.0 million, compared with revenue of $321.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Operating loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $4.6 million, compared with operating loss of $35.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $8.3 million, compared with net loss of $31.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Diluted income per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $0.26, compared with diluted loss per share of $1.09 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

The Company recognized an income tax benefit of $12.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared with an income tax benefit of $2.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Non-GAAP Financial Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

Non-GAAP operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $7.9 million, compared with non-GAAP operating loss of $10.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Non-GAAP operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 excludes restructuring and impairment expense of $3.4 million, separation transaction costs of $5.6 million and net acquisition costs of $3.4 million, which includes income relating to contingent consideration revaluation. Non-GAAP operating loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 excludes restructuring and impairment expense of $7.9 million, separation transaction costs of $5.0 million, acquisition costs of $11.7 million, other non-GAAP costs of $0.2 million.

Non-GAAP net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $7.7 million, compared with non-GAAP net loss of $9.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Non-GAAP net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 excludes restructuring and impairment expense of $3.4 million, separation transaction costs of $5.6 million, net acquisition costs of $3.4 million, which includes income relating to contingent consideration revaluation, and an income tax benefit of $13.0 million. Non-GAAP net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 excludes restructuring and impairment expense of $7.9 million, separation transaction costs of $5.0 million, acquisition costs of $11.7 million, other non-GAAP costs of $0.2 million, as well as an income tax benefit of $2.4 million.

Non-GAAP diluted income per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $0.24, compared with non-GAAP diluted loss per share of $0.32 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

As of September 30, 2020, the Company had combined cash and cash equivalents of $86.6 million, compared with combined cash and cash equivalents of $69.3 million as of December 31, 2019.

The Company had $20.1 million of cash provided by operating activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared with $38.2 million of cash used in operating activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Student Enrollment

Total student enrollment at the Company's academic institution was 34,623 students at September 30, 2020, compared with total student enrollment of 36,349 at September 30, 2019.

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release contains non-GAAP financial measures for non-GAAP operating income (loss), non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP diluted income (loss) per share, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. These non-GAAP measures exclude restructuring and impairment expense, separation transaction costs, acquisition costs, other non-GAAP costs, as well as certain income tax adjustments, as applicable. These non-GAAP financial measures are not prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and are not based on a comprehensive set of accounting rules. Management believes non-GAAP financial measures are useful in providing investors with an understanding of how specific line items in the consolidated statements of income (loss) are affected by items that may not be indicative of the operating results of the Company's core business. To the extent that other companies use similar methods in calculating and reporting non-GAAP operating results, the Company believes provision of supplemental non-GAAP financial information allows for a meaningful comparison of the Company's performance against the performance of other companies. The Company further believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information regarding its ongoing operating activities and business trends related to its results of operations, as well as a meaningful comparison with historical financial results. The Company's management and board of directors utilize these non-GAAP financial measures, together with the Company's financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, in developing operating budgets and evaluating the Company's performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are intended to supplement GAAP financial information, and should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. Refer to the accompanying tables for a detailed reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

Earnings Conference Call and Webcast

Zovio Inc will host a conference call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (2:00 p.m. Pacific Time) today to discuss its latest financial results and recent highlights. The dial-in number for callers in the United States is (877) 395-6119, and the dial-in number for other callers is (647) 689-5537. The access code for all callers is 7494114. A live broadcast of the call will also be available on the Company's website at http://ir.zovio.com.

About Zovio Inc

Zovio Inc (NASDAQ: ZVO) is an education technology services company that partners with higher education institutions and employers to deliver innovative, personalized solutions to help learners and leaders achieve their aspirations. The Zovio network, which includes Fullstack Academy, TutorMe, and Learn@Forbes, leverages its core strengths and applies its technology and capabilities to priority market needs. Using advanced data and analytics, Zovio identifies the most meaningful ways to enhance the learner experience and deliver strong outcomes for higher education institutions, employers, and learners. Zovio's purpose is to help everyone be in a class of their own. For more information, visit www.zovio.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements which are not statements of historical fact and are subject to the Safe Harbor provisions created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements regarding management's intentions, hopes, beliefs or expectations, and statements regarding the Company's outlook for the remainder of 2020 and beyond. These forward-looking statements are based on current information and expectations and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual performance or results may differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by such statements due to various factors, including, without limitation: our ability to successfully transition to being an education technology services company, our ability to complete the sale and separation of Ashford University, and the success of our strategies with respect to student initiatives.

Additional information on factors that could cause actual plans implemented and actual results achieved to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements is included from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including, but not limited to, the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on February 20, 2020, the Company's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and the Company's current reports on Form 8-K which are available at www.zovio.com. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made on the basis of management's good faith beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding future events based on information available at the time such statements are made. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or any changes in assumptions, expectations or other factors affecting such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws.

Contact: Alanna Vitucci
alanna.vitucci@zovio.com
858 668 2586 x11636

                                                                      
            
              ZOVIO INC

                                                      
         
             Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

                                                                     
            
              (Unaudited)

                                                        
           
              (In thousands, except per share amounts)




                                                          
           
              Three Months Ended                           
          
              Nine Months Ended
                                                                 
              September 30,                                      
              September 30,



                                                           2020                            2019                      2020                           2019

                                                                                                                                                  ---




            Revenue                                             $
            102,166                                         $
          104,251                    $
         303,978    $
       321,510



            Costs and expenses:



            Instructional costs and services            44,929                                      51,406                                     136,184               158,432



            Admissions advisory and marketing           41,620                                      40,838                                     122,155               134,720



            General and administrative                  14,779                                      17,389                                      46,765                55,841



            Restructuring and impairment expense           184                                       2,467                                       3,430                 7,890



            Total costs and expenses                   101,512                                     112,100                                     308,534               356,883



            Operating income (loss)                        654                                     (7,849)                                    (4,556)             (35,373)



            Other income (expense), net                     39                                         144                                        (62)                1,040




            Income (loss) before income taxes              693                                     (7,705)                                    (4,618)             (34,333)



            Income tax expense (benefit)                 (428)                                      (147)                                   (12,906)              (2,536)




            Net income (loss)                                     $
            1,121                                         $
          (7,558)                     $
         8,288   $
       (31,797)






            Income (loss) per share:



            Basic                                                  $
            0.03                                          $
          (0.25)                      $
         0.26     $
       (1.09)



            Diluted                                                $
            0.03                                          $
          (0.25)                      $
         0.26     $
       (1.09)



            Weighted average number of common shares
    outstanding used in computing income (loss) per
    share:



            Basic                                       32,646                                      30,263                                      31,711                29,230



            Diluted                                     34,015                                      30,263                                      32,342                29,230

                                                     
              
                ZOVIO INC

                                       
              
                Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

                                                    
              
                (Unaudited)

                                                   
              
                (In thousands)




                                                                    September 30,                               December 31,
                                                                             2020                        2019

                                                                                                         ---

                      
              
                ASSETS



     Current assets:


      Cash and cash equivalents                                                      $
              86,628                   $
      69,280



     Restricted cash                                                      26,633                        23,257



     Investments                                                           1,339                         2,502


      Accounts receivable, net                                             39,709                        34,951


      Prepaid expenses and other
       current assets                                                      20,145                        20,524


      Total current assets                                                174,454                       150,514


      Property and equipment, net                                          31,431                        34,294


      Operating lease assets                                               21,482                        18,615


      Goodwill and intangibles, net                                        40,597                        44,419


      Other long-term assets                                                3,118                         2,296




     Total assets                                                                  $
              271,082                  $
      250,138





                               LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY



     Current liabilities:


      Accounts payable and accrued
       liabilities                                                                   $
              67,845                   $
      68,160


      Deferred revenue and student
       deposits                                                            59,554                        55,284


      Total current liabilities                                           127,399                       123,444



     Rent liability                                                       25,106                        22,409


      Other long-term liabilities                                           4,323                         5,347




     Total liabilities                                                   156,828                       151,200


      Total stockholders' equity                                          114,254                        98,938



      Total liabilities and
       stockholders' equity                                                         $
              271,082                  $
      250,138


                                                                                                            
           
                ZOVIO INC

                                                                                                     
     
          Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

                                                                                                           
           
                (Unaudited)

                                                                                                         
           
                (In thousands)




                                                                                                                                                                                Nine Months Ended
                                                                                                                                                                       
         September 30,


                                                                                                                                                                  2020                      2019

                                                                                                                                                                                            ---


              
                Cash flows from operating activities:



              Net income (loss)                                                                                                                                         $
       8,288                         $
      (31,797)



              Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating
    activities:



              Provision for bad debts                                                                                                                           9,845                               10,508



              Depreciation and amortization                                                                                                                     8,749                                7,171



              Deferred income taxes                                                                                                                                 6                                   67



              Stock-based compensation                                                                                                                          6,086                                8,730



              Noncash lease expense                                                                                                                             8,546                               14,287



              Net loss (gain) on marketable securities                                                                                                             47                                (216)



              Reassessment of lease charges                                                                                                                         -                                 558



              Loss (gain) on disposal or impairment of fixed assets                                                                                                38



              Changes in operating assets and liabilities:



              Accounts receivable                                                                                                                            (14,513)                            (13,517)



              Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                                                                                           219                                (306)



              Other long-term assets                                                                                                                            (821)                               (336)



              Accounts payable and accrued liabilities                                                                                                           (12)                             (1,170)



              Deferred revenue and student deposits                                                                                                             4,269                             (11,923)



              Operating lease liabilities                                                                                                                     (8,173)                            (17,377)



              Other liabilities                                                                                                                               (2,468)                             (2,922)



                 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities                                                                                           20,106                             (38,243)




              
                Cash flows from investing activities:



              Capital expenditures                                                                                                                            (2,587)                            (26,956)



              Purchases of investments                                                                                                                          (702)                               (102)



              Capitalized costs for intangible assets                                                                                                           (199)                               (454)



              Cash paid in acquisition, net of cash acquired                                                                                                        -                            (19,286)



              Sale of investments                                                                                                                               1,818



                 Net cash used in investing activities                                                                                                        (1,670)                            (46,798)




              
                Cash flows from financing activities:



              Proceeds from exercise of stock options                                                                                                               -                                  60



              Proceeds from the issuance of stock under employee stock purchase plan                                                                              112                                   96



              Borrowings from long-term liabilities                                                                                                             2,682



              Tax withholdings on issuance of stock awards                                                                                                      (400)                               (810)



              Repurchase of common stock                                                                                                                        (106)




                 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities                                                                                            2,288                                (654)




              Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash                                                                            20,724                             (85,695)



              Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period                                                                                92,537                              190,584




              Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period                                                                                             $
       113,261                          $
      104,889


                                                                                                  
              
                ZOVIO INC

                                                                                  
        
                Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

                                                                                                 
              
                (Unaudited)

                                                                                    
            
                (In thousands, except per share amounts)




                                                                                                          Three Months Ended                                         Nine Months Ended
                                                                                        
                September 30,                                 
             September 30,


                                                                                        2020                             2019                      2020                            2019

                                                                                                                                                                                 ---


     
                
                  Operating Income (Loss) Reconciliation:



     GAAP operating income (loss)                                                               $
              654                                         $
           (7,849)               $
        (4,556)   $
        (35,373)



     Restructuring and impairment expense                                               184                                        2,467                                        3,430            7,890



     Separation transaction costs                                                     1,478                                          951                                        5,574            4,959



     Acquisition costs, net                                                             546                                        2,484                                        3,425           11,707



     Other non-GAAP costs                                                                 -                                                                                                     238




     Non-GAAP operating income (loss)                                                         $
              2,862                                         $
           (1,947)                 $
        7,873    $
        (10,579)






     
                
                  Net Income (Loss) Reconciliation:



     GAAP net income (loss)                                                                   $
              1,121                                         $
           (7,558)                 $
        8,288    $
        (31,797)



     Restructuring and impairment expense                                               184                                        2,467                                        3,430            7,890



     Separation transaction costs                                                     1,478                                          951                                        5,574            4,959



     Acquisition costs, net                                                             546                                        2,484                                        3,425           11,707



     Other non-GAAP costs                                                                 -                                                                                                     238



     Income tax impact, non-GAAP                                                      (412)                                          94                                     (13,034)         (2,415)




     Non-GAAP net income (loss)                                                               $
              2,917                                         $
           (1,562)                 $
        7,683     $
        (9,418)






     
                
                  Diluted Income (Loss) Per Share Reconciliation:



     GAAP diluted income (loss) per share                                                      $
              0.03                                          $
           (0.25)                  $
        0.26      $
        (1.09)



     Restructuring and impairment expense                                              0.01                                         0.08                                         0.11             0.27



     Separation transaction costs                                                      0.04                                         0.03                                         0.17             0.17



     Acquisition costs, net                                                            0.02                                         0.09                                         0.10             0.40



     Other non-GAAP costs                                                                 -                                                                                                    0.01



     Income tax impact, non-GAAP                                                     (0.01)                                        0.00                                       (0.40)          (0.08)




     Non-GAAP diluted income (loss) per share                                                  $
              0.09                                          $
           (0.05)                  $
        0.24      $
        (0.32)


                                                                                   
              
                ZOVIO INC

                                                                  
        
           Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (continued)

                                                                                  
              
                (Unaudited)

                                                                                 
              
                (In thousands)




                                                                                  Three Months Ended                                            Nine Months Ended
                                                                     
           September 30,                                 
                September 30,


                                                                     2020                        2019                      2020                               2019

                                                                                                                                                            ---


     
                
                  Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation:



     GAAP net income (loss)                                              $
           1,121                                         $
              (7,558)               $
        8,288   $
       (31,797)



     Interest expense (income), net                                 (39)                                  (126)                                             62          (819)



     Income tax expense (benefit)                                  (428)                                  (148)                                       (12,906)       (2,537)



     Depreciation and amortization                                 2,864                                   2,974                                           8,749          7,171




     EBITDA                                                        3,518                                 (4,858)                                          4,193       (27,982)



     Restructuring and impairment expense                            184                                   2,467                                           3,430          7,890



     Separation transaction costs                                  1,478                                     951                                           5,574          4,959



     Acquisition costs                                             (285)                                  1,652                                             929         10,043



     Other non-GAAP costs                                              -                                                                                                 238




     Adjusted EBITDA                                                     $
           4,895                                             $
              212               $
        14,126    $
       (4,852)


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SOURCE Zovio