zvo-20200930

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 EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020


☐			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: 001-34272

___________________________________________________________________________

ZOVIO INC

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

____________________________________________________________________________


Delaware			59-3551629
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)			(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1811 E. Northrop Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85286

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

(858) 668-2586

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

____________________________________________________________________________

None

(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 ☒ No ☐

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 ☒ No ☐

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

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 ☒

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, par value $0.01 per share	ZVO	The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

The total number of shares of common stock outstanding as of October 23, 2020, was 32,183,583.

ZOVIO INC

FORM 10-Q

INDEX



PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION		4
Item 1. Financial Statements		4
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)	5

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity	6
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	8
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	10
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		32
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		43
Item 4. Controls and Procedures		44

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION		45
Item 1. Legal Proceedings		45
Item 1A. Risk Factors		45
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		48
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities		48
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures		48
Item 5. Other Information		48
Item 6. Exhibits		49
SIGNATURES		50

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

ZOVIO INC

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except par value)


	As of September 30, 2020		As of December 31, 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 of allowance for credit losses of $12.4 million and $13.7 million at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively	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
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 15)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value:
20,000 shares authorized; zero shares issued and outstanding at both September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019	—		—
Common stock, $0.01 par value:
300,000 shares authorized; 66,349 and 65,695 issued, and 32,162 and 30,327 outstanding, at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively	667		660
Additional paid-in capital	177,287		192,413
Retained earnings	383,559		375,180

Treasury stock, 34,187 and 35,368 shares at cost at September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, respectively	(447,259)		(469,315)
Total stockholders' equity	114,254		98,938
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	271,082	$	250,138

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

ZOVIO INC

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended 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

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

ZOVIO INC

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)


	Common Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings			Treasury Stock
	Shares	Par Value						Total
Balance at December 31, 2018	65,289	$	653	$	205,157	$	429,992		$	(508,188)	$	127,614
Stock-based compensation	—	—		1,706		—			—		1,706
Exercise of stock options	6	1		59		—			—		60
Stock issued under stock incentive plan, net of shares held for taxes	284	2		(757)		—			—		(755)

Net loss	—	—		—		(6,642)			—		(6,642)

Balance at March 31, 2019	65,579	$	656	$	206,165	$	423,350		$	(508,188)	$	121,983
Stock-based compensation	—	—		3,596		—			—		3,596
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	29	—		96		—			—		96
Stock issued under stock incentive plan, net of shares held for taxes	20	—		(51)		—			—		(51)
Stock issued under acquisition		3		(24,513)		—			38,873		14,363

Net loss	—	—		—		(17,597)			—		(17,597)
Balance at June 30, 2019	65,628	$	659	$	185,293	$	405,753		$	(469,315)	$	122,390
Stock-based compensation	—	—		3,428		—			—		3,428



Stock issued under stock incentive plan, net of shares held for taxes	8	—		(4)		—			—		(4)

Net loss	—	—		—		(7,558)			—		(7,558)
Balance at September 30, 2019	65,636	$	659	$	188,717	$	398,195		$	(469,315)	$	118,256

ZOVIO INC

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (continued)

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)


	Common Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings			Treasury Stock
	Shares	Par Value						Total
Balance at December 31, 2019	65,695	$	660	$	192,413	$	375,180		$	(469,315)	$	98,938
Adoption of accounting standards (Note 2)	—	—		—		91			—		91
Stock-based compensation	—	—		4,138		—			—		4,138




Stock issued under stock incentive plan, net of shares held for taxes	338	3		(205)		—			—		(202)

Net income	—	—		—		2,020			—		2,020

Balance at March 31, 2020	66,033	$	663	$	196,346	$	377,291		$	(469,315)	$	104,985
Stock-based compensation	—	—		802		—			—		802

Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	57	1		111		—			—		112
Stock issued under stock incentive plan, net of shares held for taxes	236	2		(182)		—			—		(180)
Contingent consideration	—	—		1,245		—			—		1,245
Stock issued for acquisition	—	—		(22,162)		—			22,162		—
Repurchase of common stock	—	—		—		—			(106)		(106)
Net income	—	—		—		5,147			—		5,147
Balance at June 30, 2020	66,326	$	666	$	176,160	$	382,438		$	(447,259)	$	112,005
Stock-based compensation	—	—		1,146		—			—		1,146

Stock issued under stock incentive plan, net of shares held for taxes	23	1		(19)		—			—		(18)
Net income	—	—		—		1,121			—		1,121
Balance at September 30, 2020	66,349	$	667	$	177,287	$	383,559		$	(447,259)	$	114,254

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

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

Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	86,628	$	79,145
Restricted cash	26,633		25,744

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	113,261	$	104,889

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

ZOVIO INC

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions:
Purchase of equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	36	$	1,582
Issuance of common stock for vested restricted stock units	$	1,388	$	2,650
Consideration for acquisition in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	—	$	483
Issuance of common stock for acquisitions	$	—	$	14,363

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

ZOVIO INC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

1. Nature of Business

Zovio Inc (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, 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. One of its wholly owned subsidiaries, Ashford University® (“Ashford”), is a regionally accredited academic institution, which delivers programs online. Ashford offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs.

In April 2019, the Company acquired Fullstack Academy, Inc (“Fullstack”) and TutorMe.com, Inc. (“TutorMe”), both of which became wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company. The operating results of Fullstack and TutorMe subsequent to the acquisition dates have been included in the Company's condensed consolidated results of operations. For further information regarding these acquisitions, refer to Note 3, “Business Combinations” to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

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

Unaudited Interim Financial Information

The condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 20, 2020. In the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary to present a fair statement of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of and for the periods presented.

Operating results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP for complete annual consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

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

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses

Accounts receivable represent the Company’s unconditional right to consideration arising from the transfer of tuition, digital materials, and technology and other fees under contracts with customers. Students generally fund their education costs through grants and/or loans under various Title IV programs, tuition assistance from military and corporate employers, and/or personal funds. With the exception of students enrolled under the Full Tuition Grant (“FTG”) program, payments are due on the respective course start date and are generally considered delinquent 120 days after that date.

ZOVIO INC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Accounts receivable are initially recorded at the amount management expects to collect under each customer contract and are adjusted for an allowance for credit losses at each reporting period. The Company determines its allowance for credit losses using a loss-rate method combined with an aging schedule approach, which is appropriate given the short-term nature of a substantial majority of the Company’s receivables and as collections vary significantly based upon a receivable’s aging bucket. Also, historical loss information is a reasonable basis on which to determine current expected credit losses for accounts receivable held at the reporting date because the risk characteristics of the Company’s customers and its credit practices have not changed significantly over time. The Company calculates separate historical loss rates for receivables under the FTG program and receivables from all other customers, on the basis of the different risk profiles and historical loss-rate experience with each type of customer. Additionally, the Company continuously monitors macroeconomic activity as well as other current conditions (e.g., internal Title IV processing times, economic downturns, cohort default rates, etc.) and their potential impact on collections to ensure the historical experience remains in line with current conditions and future short-term expectations.

The allowance for credit losses is recorded within instructional costs and services in the consolidated statements of income (loss). The Company writes off accounts receivable when the student account is deemed uncollectible, which typically occurs when the Company has exhausted all collection efforts.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

The Company tests goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently if events and circumstances warrant. Historically, this testing has been performed as of October 1 of each fiscal year, however the Company determined that the testing date should be moved up to August 31 of each fiscal year. The Company does not consider this change to be material. The Company believes the timing of assessment is preferable as it better aligns with the Company’s planning and forecasting process and also provides additional time to complete the annual assessment in advance of quarterly reporting deadlines. The change in assessment date did not delay, accelerate, or cause avoidance of a potential impairment charge.

The Company has three distinct reporting units including (i) Zovio (which includes Ashford), (ii) Fullstack and (iii) TutorMe. To evaluate the impairment of goodwill, the Company first assesses qualitative factors, such as deterioration in general economic conditions or negative company financial performance, to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. To evaluate the impairment of the indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company assesses the fair value of the assets to determine whether they are greater or less than the carrying values. Determining the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions are inherently uncertain and may include such items as growth rates used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions, and a determination of appropriate market comparables.

The Company's assessment through the third quarter of 2020 has not resulted in any impairment of its goodwill or indefinite-lived intangibles.

Notes Payable

The fair value of the Company’s outstanding notes payable is estimated using the net present value of the payments, discounted at an interest rate that is consistent with market interest rates. The Company entered into a contract whereby its counterparty advanced funds to the Company for certain program development costs, which the Company is obligated to repay out of future revenues from the developed program. The Company recognized these advances as a debt obligation, and expects to begin repayments from future program revenues in 2024, five years from the contract start date.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). The new standard is intended to improve financial reporting by requiring timelier recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments held by financial institutions and other organizations. ASU 2016-13 requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The new standard also requires enhanced disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in

ZOVIO INC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an organization’s portfolio. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements that provide additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. ASU 2016-03 is effective for SEC filers for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company applied the new standard, including all applicable updates, effective January 1, 2020, using a loss-rate method combined with an aging schedule approach. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”). This ASU modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820 and removed, updated and added certain disclosure requirements. Some of these changes include, removing the amount and reason for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, clarification of measurement uncertainty disclosure, and changes in realized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring level 3 fair value measurements held as of the end of the reporting period, among others. The amendments in this ASU are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty are applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. The adoption of ASU 2018-13 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

3. Business Combinations

Proposed Asset Purchase and Sale Transaction

On August 1, 2020, after receiving Board approval, the Company and Ashford entered into a definitive Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), by and among the Company, Ashford, the Arizona Board of Regents, a body corporate for and on behalf of the University of Arizona (the “University of Arizona”), and the University of Arizona Global Campus, a newly formed Arizona nonprofit corporation (“University of Arizona Global Campus”).

Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, at the closing of the sale, the Company and Ashford have agreed to transfer to University of Arizona Global Campus the tangible and intangible academic and related operations and assets comprising the University to University of Arizona Global Campus for consideration of $1.00 and University of Arizona Global Campus’s agreement to assume certain related liabilities. The transferred assets will include the University’s academic curriculum and content, subject to a license of that content back to the Company for use in its continuing business. The transferred assets would also include $16.5 million in cash working capital and an additional cash payment to University of Arizona Global Campus of $37.5 million that the Company will make at closing. In addition, at the closing of the Sale, the University’s faculty, academic leadership and related staff will transfer their employment from Ashford to University of Arizona Global Campus.

The pending regulatory approvals, notably with its accreditor, and political uncertainty have led the Company to conclude that the proposed Ashford sale did not meet the held for sale criteria as of September 30, 2020. Given the anticipated sales price of $1.00, the Company is projecting a total loss on transaction of approximately $60 million at closing, which is comprised of approximately $55 million of anticipated net assets loss, as well as approximately $5 million of additional costs to sell.

Acquisition of Fullstack Academy, Inc.

On April 1, 2019, the Company acquired Fullstack, a coding academy headquartered in New York, by acquiring all of its outstanding shares, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “Fullstack Merger Agreement”). As of March 31, 2019, Fullstack had a carrying value of approximately $7.1 million of assets, excluding goodwill. At the closing of the Fullstack acquisition, the equityholders of Fullstack received consideration consisting of $17.7 million in cash (less purchase price adjustments of $1.8 million, plus third-party expenses of $2.0 million), and an aggregate of 2,443,260 shares of the Company’s common stock, subject to escrow adjustments. Additionally, under the Fullstack Merger Agreement, the equityholders of Fullstack will be entitled to receive up to 2,250,000 contingent shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Fullstack

ZOVIO INC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Contingent Consideration”). The Fullstack Merger Agreement contains an employee incentive retention pool of up to $5.0 million in cash, payable at specified times over a two-year period.

The assets and liabilities of Fullstack were recorded on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets at their estimated fair values as of April 1, 2019, the acquisition date. Fullstack’s results of operations are included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income (loss) from that date. Fullstack recognized revenue of $9.2 million, an operating loss of $10.6 million, and a net loss of $10.6 million for the period from acquisition through December 31, 2019. See additional supplemental pro forma financial information below. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded Fullstack acquisition-related expenses of $4.7 million, in the general and administrative expense line item on the consolidated statements of income (loss). The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting.

The following table summarizes the purchase price, as well as the final allocation of the purchase price relating to the assets and liabilities purchased (in thousands):


Cash consideration for acquired assets	$	17,743
Fair value of equity	12,336
Fair value of contingent consideration payable	3,250
Total purchase price	$	33,329


Purchase Price Allocation:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	585
Accounts receivable	5,604
Prepaid and other assets	665
Property and equipment	167
Operating lease assets	1,297
Intangible assets	11,605
Other long-term assets	20
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(496)
Deferred revenue	(2,350)
Long-term liabilities	(1,297)
Total identifiable net assets acquired	$	15,800
Deferred tax liability	(2,166)
Goodwill	19,695
Total purchase consideration	$	33,329

The fair values assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Fullstack were based on management's best estimates and assumptions as of the reporting date. The fair value of the consideration to be paid exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed, resulting in goodwill being recorded. Goodwill arising from the acquisition consists largely of future performance expected to be generated from new university and student relationships. None of the goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The acquired intangible assets primarily relate to developed curriculum and trademarks, as well as university and student relationships, and have useful lives that range from 2 to 10 years.

The fair value of the common shares issued as part of the consideration paid was determined on the basis of the closing market price of the Company’s shares on the acquisition date, and also incorporated a discount for lack of marketability rates for various holding periods.

The Fullstack Contingent Consideration are issuable, subject to the terms and conditions of the Fullstack Merger Agreement. Of the total contingent 2,250,000 shares, (i) 1,250,000 were based upon final determination of the achievement of

ZOVIO INC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

certain employee retention requirements and was expensed over the retention period, (ii) 500,000 shares are based upon 2020 revenue performance, earned on a sliding scale, in the event that revenues for Fullstack are between $25.0 million and $35.0 million, and (iii) 500,000 shares are based on contract performance milestones in 2019 and 2020, earned on a sliding scale, in the event Fullstack obtains between 4 and 8 new university contracts. The retention-based shares were achieved and paid out as of April 1, 2020. The fair value of the remaining performance-based Fullstack Contingent Consideration arrangements was estimated by applying a Monte Carlo simulation, based on the result of forecast information. These measures are based on significant inputs that are not observable by the market, and are therefore deemed to be Level 3 inputs. At each subsequent reporting date, the Company will remeasure the contingent consideration and recognize any changes in value, if necessary. If the probability of achieving the performance target significantly changes from what was initially anticipated, the change could have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements in the period recognized. Fullstack had previously obtained 8 new university contracts and as such, the valuation of the related 500,000 shares related to contract performance milestones was previously reclassified to equity. For further information regarding fair valuation, refer to Note 6, “Fair Value Measurements” to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Acquisition of TutorMe.com, Inc.

On April 3, 2019, the Company acquired TutorMe, a provider of on-demand tutoring and online courses, headquartered in California, by acquiring all of its outstanding shares, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “TutorMe Merger Agreement”). As of March 31, 2019, TutorMe had a carrying value of $0.6 million of assets, excluding goodwill. At the closing of the TutorMe acquisition, in exchange for all outstanding shares of TutorMe capital stock and other rights to acquire or receive capital stock of TutorMe, the Company (i) paid a total of $3.0 million in cash, subject to certain purchase price adjustments, (ii) issued a total of 309,852 shares of the Company’s common stock, and (iii) assumed all issued and outstanding options of TutorMe (the “Assumed Options”), of which a total of 231,406 shares of the Company’s common stock are underlying the Assumed Options that are subject to certain time-based vesting requirements and a total of 79,199 shares of the Company’s common stock are underlying the Assumed Options that are subject to certain performance-based vesting requirements.

Separately, the Company (x) paid a total of approximately $1.2 million in cash to certain service providers of TutorMe as a transaction bonus and (y) issued a total of 293,621 Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”) to certain continuing service providers of TutorMe pursuant to the Company’s 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (as amended) and a restricted stock unit agreement.

The assets and liabilities of TutorMe were recorded on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets at their estimated fair values as of April 3, 2019, the acquisition date. TutorMe’s results of operations are included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income (loss) from that date. TutorMe recognized revenue of $0.9 million, an operating loss of $3.2 million, and a net loss of $3.2 million for the period from acquisition through December 31, 2019. See additional supplemental pro forma financial information below. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded TutorMe acquisition-related expenses of $1.9 million, in the general and administrative expense line item on the consolidated statements of income (loss). The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting.

The following table summarizes the purchase price, as well as the final allocation of the purchase price relating to the assets and liabilities purchased (in thousands):


Cash consideration for acquired assets	$	3,028
Fair value of equity	2,026

Total purchase price	$	5,054

ZOVIO INC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Purchase Price Allocation:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	214
Accounts receivable	46

Intangible assets	1,730
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(35)
Deferred revenue	(200)
Long-term liabilities	(3)
Total identifiable net assets acquired	$	1,752
Deferred tax liability	(260)
Goodwill	3,562
Total purchase consideration	$	5,054

The fair value assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed for TutorMe are based on management's best estimates and assumptions as of the reporting date. The fair value of the consideration to be paid exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed, resulting in goodwill being recorded. Goodwill arising from the acquisition consists largely of future performance expected to be generated from new university and student relationships, as well as the developed technology. None of the goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The acquired intangible assets primarily relate to developed technology, as well as university and student relationships, and have useful lives that range from 2 to 10 years.

The fair value of equity includes the common shares issued as part of the consideration paid was determined on the basis of the closing market price of the Company’s shares on the acquisition date, which also incorporated a discount for lack of marketability rates for various holding periods.

Supplemental Pro Forma Information (Unaudited)

The following table presents unaudited pro forma financial information, as if all acquisitions had been included in the company’s results as of January 1, 2018 (in thousands, except per share amounts):


	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018
Revenue	$	421,390	$	457,208
Net income (loss)	$	(56,661)	$	4,311

Basic income (loss) per share	$	(1.92)	$	0.16
Diluted income (loss) per share	$	(1.92)	$	0.16

The unaudited supplemental pro forma financial data has been calculated after applying our accounting policies and adjusting the historical results of Fullstack and TutorMe with pro forma adjustments, net of tax, that assume the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2018.

The unaudited supplemental pro forma financial data does not reflect the potential realization of revenue synergies or cost savings, nor does it reflect other costs relating to the integration of the acquired companies. This pro forma financial information should not be considered indicative of the results that would have actually occurred if the acquisition had been consummated on January 1, 2018, nor are they indicative of future results.

ZOVIO INC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

4. Revenue Recognition

Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to the Company’s customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Determining whether a valid customer contract exists includes an assessment of whether amounts due under the contract are collectible. The Company performs this assessment at the beginning of every contract and subsequently thereafter if new information indicates there has been a significant change in facts and circumstances.

The Company’s contracts with customers generally include multiple performance obligations, which it identifies by assessing whether each good and service promised in the contract is distinct. For each performance obligation, the Company allocates the transaction price, including fixed and variable consideration, on the basis of the relative standalone selling prices of each good and service in the contract, which is determined using observable prices.

The following table presents the Company’s net revenue disaggregated based on the revenue source (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Tuition revenue, net	$	93,183	$	95,043	$	277,533	$	291,729
Digital materials revenue, net	5,809		5,890		17,415		18,947
Technology fee revenue, net	2,628		2,856		7,628		9,381
Other revenue, net (1)	546		462		1,402		1,453
Total revenue, net	$	102,166	$	104,251	$	303,978	$	321,510

(1) Primarily consists of revenues generated from services such as graduation fees, transcript fees, and other miscellaneous services.

The following table presents the Company’s net revenue disaggregated based on the timing of revenue recognition (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Over time, over period of instruction	$	82,659	$	85,110	$	244,872	$	264,555
Over time, full tuition grant (1)	13,948		13,599		42,792		38,908
Point in time (2)	5,559		5,542		16,314		18,047
Total revenue, net	$	102,166	$	104,251	$	303,978	$	321,510

(1)Represents revenue generated from the FTG program.

(2)Represents revenue generated from digital textbooks and other miscellaneous fees.

The Company operates under one reportable segment and generates the majority of its revenue from tuition, technology fees, and digital materials related to students whose primary funding source is governmental funding. Tuition represents amounts charged for course instruction, and technology fees represent amounts charged for the students’ use of the technology platform on which course instruction is delivered. Digital materials fees represent amounts charged for digital textbooks that accompany the majority of courses taught at Ashford. With the exception of students attending courses within the three-week conditional admission, the majority of tuition and technology fees are recognized as revenue as control of the services is transferred to the student, which occurs over the applicable period of instruction. Similarly, the majority of digital materials fees are recognized as revenue when control of the product has been transferred to the student, which occurs when the student is granted unrestricted access to the digital textbook, generally, on the first day of the course. Revenue generated from students within the conditional admission period is deferred and recognized when the student matriculates into Ashford, which occurs in the fourth week of the course.

ZOVIO INC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Ashford’s online students generally enroll in a program that encompasses a series of five to six-week courses that are taken consecutively over the length of the program. With the exception of those students under conditional admission and students enrolled under the FTG program, online students are billed on a payment period basis on the first day of a course. Students under conditional admission are billed for the payment period upon matriculation.

If a student's attendance in a class precedes the receipt of cash from the student's source of funding, the Company establishes an account receivable and corresponding deferred revenue in the amount of the tuition due for that payment period. Cash received either directly from the student or from the student's source of funding reduces the balance of accounts receivable due from the student. Financial aid from sources such as the federal government's Title IV programs pertains to the online student's award year and is generally divided into two disbursement periods. As such, each disbursement period may contain funding for up to four courses. Financial aid disbursements are typically received during the online student's attendance in the first or second course. Since the majority of disbursements cover more courses than for which a student is currently enrolled, the amount received in excess effectively represents a prepayment from the online student for up to four courses. At the end of each accounting period, the deferred revenue and related account receivable balances are reduced to present amounts attributable to the current course.

In certain cases, Ashford provides scholarships to students who qualify under various programs. These scholarships are recognized as direct reductions of revenue consistent with the timing of recognition associated with the related performance obligations. Also, for some customers, the Company does not expect to collect 100% of the consideration to which we are contractually entitled and, as a result, those customers may receive discounts or price adjustments that, based on historical Company practice, represent implied price concessions and are accounted for as variable consideration. The majority of these price concessions relate to amounts charged to students for goods and services, which management has determined will not be covered by the student’s primary funding source (generally, government aid) and, as a result, the student will become directly financially responsible for them. The reduction in the transaction price that results from this estimate of variable consideration reflects the amount the Company does not expect to be entitled to in exchange for the goods and services it will transfer to the students, as determined using historical experience and current factors, and includes performing a constraint analysis. These estimates of variable consideration are recorded as direct reductions of revenue consistent with the timing of recognition associated with the related performance obligation.

A portion of tuition revenue, technology fee revenue, and digital materials revenue is generated from contracts with students enrolled under the FTG program, which is a 12-month grant that, when combined with a corporate partner’s annual tuition assistance program, enables eligible students to earn their degree without incurring student loan debt. Students enrolled under this program are eligible to take up to ten undergraduate or eight graduate courses per 12-month grant period and must first utilize 100% of the funds awarded under their employer’s annual tuition assistance program before they can be awarded the FTG grant. The grants awarded by Ashford under the FTG program are considered a material right, and, as such, the Company records a contract liability for a portion of the consideration received or due under these contracts. The contract liability is recorded in deferred revenue and student deposits on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, and further discussed in the deferred revenue section below. The standalone selling price of the material right is determined based on the observable standalone selling price of the courses. The transaction price in each FTG contract is allocated to this material right on a relative standalone selling price basis. The contract liability is recognized as revenue at the earlier of satisfaction of the future obligation, the student drops from the university, or its expiration. Billing of products and services transferred under an FTG student contract generally occurs after the conclusion of a course. There are no material differences between the timing of the products and services transferred and the payment terms.

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue consists of cash payments that are received or due in advance of the Company’s performance as well as deferrals associated with certain contracts that include a material right.

ZOVIO INC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Below are the opening and closing balances of deferred revenue from the Company’s contracts with customers (in thousands):


	2020		2019
Deferred revenue opening balance, January 1	$	23,356	$	21,768
Deferred revenue closing balance, September 30	29,413		22,549
Increase	$	6,057	$	781

For further information on deferred revenue and student deposits, refer to Note 8, “Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts - Deferred Revenue and Student Deposits” and for further information on receivables, refer to Note 7, “Accounts Receivable, Net” within the condensed consolidated financial statements.

For the majority of the Company’s customers, payment for products and services is due at the beginning of each course. Under special circumstances, some customers may be offered non-interest bearing payment plan arrangements that can extend for up to three years. These payment plan arrangements give rise to significant financing components. However, since the Company historically collects substantially all of the consideration to which it expects to be entitled under such payment plans within one year or less, the impact of these significant financing components is not material to any period presented.

The difference between the opening and closing balances of deferred revenue primarily results from the timing difference between the Company’s performance and the customer’s payment. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recognized $23.3 million of revenue that was included in the deferred revenue balance as of January 1, 2020. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recognized $21.8 million of revenue that was included in the deferred revenue balance as of January 1, 2019. Amounts reported in the closing balance of deferred revenue are expected to be recognized as revenue within the next 12 months.

5. Restructuring and Impairment Expense

During the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized $0.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively, of restructuring and impairment expense. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized $3.4 million and $7.9 million, respectively, of restructuring and impairment expense. These expenses were comprised of the components described below.

The Company had previously relocated its headquarters from San Diego, California to Chandler, Arizona. In addition, the Company had previously vacated or consolidated properties in San Diego and Denver, and subsequently reassessed its obligations on non-cancelable leases. As a result of the relocation and lease reassessments, during the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized expense of $0.3 million and $1.3 million, respectively, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized $0.5 million and $1.8 million, respectively.

The Company had previously reassessed its resources through reorganization. For the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized a credit of $0.1 million and an expense of $1.2 million, respectfully, of restructuring and impairment expense relating to severance costs for wages and benefits. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized $2.9 million and $6.2 million, respectively.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recognized a credit of $32 thousand and $0.2 million, respectively, as a reversal to restructuring and impairment charges, relating to the closure of a component of the Company's business. No such credit or expense was recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.

ZOVIO INC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

The following table summarizes the amounts recorded in the restructuring and impairment expense line item on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income (loss) for each of the periods presented (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019

Student transfer agreement costs (credit)	$	—	$	(32)	$	—	$	(171)
Severance costs	(70)		1,220		2,902		6,231
Lease exit and other costs	254		1,279		529		1,830
Total restructuring and impairment expense	$	184	$	2,467	$	3,431	$	7,890

The following table summarizes the changes in the Company's restructuring and impairment liability by type during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 (in thousands):


	Student Transfer Agreement Costs		Severance Costs		Lease Exit and Other Costs		Total
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	1,296	$	8,001	$	976	$	10,273
Restructuring and impairment expense	—		2,902		529		3,431
Payments and adjustments	(14)		(10,067)		(621)		(10,702)

Balance at September 30, 2020	$	1,282	$	836	$	884	$	3,002

The restructuring liability amounts are recorded within either the (i) accounts payable and accrued liabilities account, (ii) lease liability account or (iii) other long-term liabilities account on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

6. Fair Value Measurements

The following tables summarize the fair value information as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively (in thousands):


	As of September 30, 2020
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Mutual funds	$	1,339	$	—	$	—	$	1,339


	As of December 31, 2019
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Mutual funds	$	2,502	$	—	$	—	$	2,502



Contingent consideration	$	—	$	—	$	3,150	$	3,150

The mutual funds in the tables above, represent the deferred compensation asset balances, which are considered to be trading securities. The Company’s deferred compensation asset balances are recorded in the investments line item on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, and are classified as Level 1 securities. There were no transfers between any level categories for investments during the periods presented.

There were no differences between amortized cost and fair value of investments as of September 30, 2020 or December 31, 2019, and no reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income during either the nine months ended September 30, 2020 or 2019.

The contingent consideration represents the fair value of shares to be issued as part of the Fullstack acquisition. As of December 31, 2019, the contingent consideration is classified as Level 3 and was determined by use of a Monte Carlo simulation, which models 100,000 scenarios of the future revenue and university contracts over the measurement period, which

ZOVIO INC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

were then present-valued using a risk-free rate. As of December 31, 2019, the contingent consideration is recorded in the other long-term liabilities line item on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the accrued contingent consideration is remeasured each reporting period and may result in a higher or lower fair value measurement. The fair value increases or decreases relative to the changes in stock price, as well as due to the probabilities of achieving the forecast results. Changes in fair value resulting from changes in the likelihood of contingent payments are included in the general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of income (loss). During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, there was a decrease in fair value, and therefore a reversal of expense of $1.6 million. As of the end of the third quarter of 2020, the new university contract contingency was met, and therefore the valuation of the 500,000 shares related to contract performance milestones was reclassified to equity. For further information regarding acquisitions, refer to Note 3, “Business Combinations” to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

7. Accounts Receivable, Net

Accounts receivable, net, consisted of the following (in thousands):


	As of September 30, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
Accounts receivable	$	52,125	$	48,663
Less allowance for credit losses	12,416		13,712
Accounts receivable, net	$	39,709	$	34,951

The following table presents the changes in the allowance for credit losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 (in thousands):


	Beginning Balance		Charged to Expense		Write-offs		Recoveries of amounts		Ending Balance
FTG-related allowance	$	1,749	$	1,524	$	(1,872)	$	337	$	1,738
Non-FTG related allowance	11,963		8,321		(14,124)		4,518		10,678
Total allowance for credit losses	$	13,712	$	9,845	$	(15,996)	$	4,855	$	12,416

The following table presents the changes in the allowance for credit losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands):


	Beginning Balance		Charged to Expense		Write-offs		Recoveries of amounts		Ending Balance
FTG-related allowance	$	1,505	$	1,395	$	(1,797)	$	377	$	1,480
Non-FTG related allowance	10,675		9,113		(15,928)		4,820		8,680
Total allowance for credit losses	$	12,180	$	10,508	$	(17,725)	$	5,197	$	10,160

ZOVIO INC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

8. Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following (in thousands):


	As of September 30, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
Prepaid expenses	$	4,490	$	4,593
Prepaid licenses	3,546		2,794
Prepaid income taxes	48		18
Income tax receivable (1)	8,582		1,695
Prepaid insurance	1,967		995

Insurance recoverable	382		670
Other current assets	1,130		9,759
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	20,145	$	20,524

(1) For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the increase in income tax receivable was primarily attributable to the changes in tax law as a result of the CARES Act. For further information regarding the CARES Act, refer to Note 13, “Income Taxes” to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment, net, consisted of the following (in thousands):


	As of September 30, 2020		As of December 31, 2019


Furniture and office equipment	$	36,206	$	43,579
Software	7,419		7,381
Leasehold improvements	16,551		19,973
Vehicles	22		22

Total property and equipment	60,198		70,955
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(28,767)		(36,661)
Total property and equipment, net	$	31,431	$	34,294

For the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment was $1.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment was $4.7 million and $3.9 million, respectively.

ZOVIO INC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Goodwill and Intangibles, Net

Goodwill and intangibles, net, consisted of the following (in thousands):


	September 30, 2020
Definite-lived intangible assets:	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Capitalized curriculum costs	$	13,787	$	(12,581)	$	1,206
Purchased intangible assets	29,185		(14,372)		14,813
Total definite-lived intangible assets	$	42,972	$	(26,953)	$	16,019
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles					24,578
Total goodwill and intangibles, net					$	40,597

	December 31, 2019
Definite-lived intangible assets:	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Capitalized curriculum costs	$	21,273	$	(19,667)	$	1,606
Purchased intangible assets	29,185		(10,950)		18,235
Total definite-lived intangible assets	$	50,458	$	(30,617)	$	19,841
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles					24,578
Total goodwill and intangibles, net					$	44,419

For the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, amortization expense was $1.3 million and $1.3 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, amortization expense was $4.0 million and $3.3 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes the estimated remaining amortization expense as of each fiscal year ended below (in thousands):


Year Ended December 31,
Remainder of 2020	$	1,324
2021	4,192
2022	3,567
2023	3,394
2024	1,864
2025 and thereafter	1,678
Total future amortization expense	$	16,019

ZOVIO INC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):


	As of September 30, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
Accounts payable	$	12,575	$	6,603
Accrued salaries and wages	8,260		11,872
Accrued bonus	9,619		6,560
Accrued vacation	4,699		5,123
Accrued litigation and fees	8,041		8,041
Accrued expenses	15,278		20,140

Current leases payable	7,774		7,875
Accrued insurance liability	1,599		1,946

Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	67,845	$	68,160

Deferred Revenue and Student Deposits

Deferred revenue and student deposits consisted of the following (in thousands):


	As of September 30, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
Deferred revenue	$	29,413	$	23,356
Student deposits	30,141		31,928
Total deferred revenue and student deposits	$	59,554	$	55,284

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):


	As of September 30, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
Uncertain tax positions	$	28	$	102

Notes payable	2,763		—
Contingent consideration	—		3,150
Other long-term liabilities	1,532		2,095
Total other long-term liabilities	$	4,323	$	5,347

9. Credit Facilities

The Company has issued letters of credit that are collateralized with cash (held in restricted cash) in the aggregate amount of $17.9 million as of September 30, 2020.

As part of its normal business operations, the Company is required to provide surety bonds in certain states in which the Company does business. The Company has entered into a surety bond facility with an insurance company to provide such bonds when required. As of September 30, 2020, the surety had issued $8.6 million in bonds on the Company’s behalf under this facility.

ZOVIO INC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

10. Lease Obligations

Operating Leases

The Company leases various office facilities with terms that expire at various dates through 2023. These facilities are used for academic operations, corporate functions, enrollment services and student support services. The Company does not have any leases other than its office facilities. All of the leases were classified as operating leases for the period ended September 30, 2020, and the Company does not have any finance leases. All of the leases, other than those that may qualify for the short-term scope exception of 12 months or less, are recorded on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The Company has agreements to sublease certain portions of its office facilities, with two active subleases as of September 30, 2020. The Company’s subleases do not include any options to extend or for early termination and do not contain any residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants. All of the subleases were classified as operating leases for the period ended September 30, 2020. The Company is subleasing approximately 37,000 square feet of office space in Denver, Colorado with a remaining commitment to lease of 11 months and net lease payments of $0.9 million. The Company is subleasing additional office space of approximately 21,000 square feet in Denver, Colorado with a remaining commitment to lease of 29 months and net lease payments of $1.4 million. Sublease income for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was $1.4 million and $2.2 million, respectively.

11. Income (Loss) Per Share

Basic income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.

Diluted income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders for the period by the sum of (i) the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, plus (ii) potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the period, if the effect is dilutive. Potentially dilutive securities for the periods presented include stock options, unvested restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and unvested performance stock units (“PSUs”).

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income (loss) per share for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share data):


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	$	1,121	$	(7,558)	$	8,288	$	(31,797)
Denominator:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	32,646		30,263		31,711		29,230
Effect of dilutive options and stock units	1,369		—		631		—

Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding	34,015		30,263		32,342		29,230
Income (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.03	$	(0.25)	$	0.26	$	(1.09)
Diluted	$	0.03	$	(0.25)	$	0.26	$	(1.09)

ZOVIO INC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

The following table sets forth the number of stock options and stock units excluded from the computation of diluted income (loss) per share for the periods indicated below because their effect was anti-dilutive (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020	2019	2020	2019
Stock options	1,525	2,141	1,654	1,983
Stock units	—	3,228	577	1,461

12. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recorded $1.1 million and $3.4 million of stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $6.1 million and $8.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The related income tax benefit was $0.3 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $1.5 million and $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company granted 1.4 million RSUs at a weighted average grant date fair value of $2.22 and 0.8 million RSUs vested. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company granted 1.3 million RSUs at a grant date fair value of $5.68, and 0.4 million RSUs vested.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company granted 1.1 million performance-based or market-based PSUs at a weighted average grant date fair value of $2.18, and no performance-based or market-based PSUs vested. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, 0.8 million market-based PSUs were granted at a grant date fair value of $6.97, and no performance-based or market-based PSUs vested.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, no stock options were granted and no stock options were exercised. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company granted 0.2 million stock options at a grant date fair value of $4.28 and 6,274 stock options were exercised.

As of September 30, 2020, unrecognized compensation cost was $6.5 million related to unvested stock options, RSUs and PSUs.

13. Income Taxes

The Company uses the asset-liability method to account for taxes. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities result from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the condensed consolidated financial statements that will result in income and deductions in future years.

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets if realization of such assets is more-likely-than-not. In order to make this determination, the Company evaluates a number of factors including the ability to generate future taxable income from reversing taxable temporary differences, forecasts of financial and taxable income or loss, and the ability to carryback certain operating losses to refund taxes paid in prior years. The cumulative loss incurred over the three-year period ended September 30, 2020 constituted significant negative objective evidence against the Company’s ability to realize a benefit from its federal deferred tax assets. Such objective evidence limited the ability of the Company to consider in its evaluation certain subjective evidence such as the Company’s projections for future growth. On the basis of its evaluation, the Company determined that its deferred tax assets were not more-likely-than-not to be realized and that a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets should continue to be maintained as of September 30, 2020.

The Company’s current effective income tax rate that has been applied to normal, recurring operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was (2.7)%. The Company’s actual effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, after discrete items, was 279.5%. The income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was attributable to certain changes in income tax law related to net operating loss carryback as a result of the Coronavirus Aid,

ZOVIO INC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). The Company has filed for total refund claims of $12.7 million under the CARES Act and has received $6.2 million of the total refund claims as of September 30, 2020.

As of December 31, 2019, the Company had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of $42.0 million and $66.0 million, respectively, which are available to offset current year and future taxable income. The Company’s utilization of net operating loss carryforwards may be subject to an annual limitation due to ownership change provisions of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

As of September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the Company had $30 thousand and $2.1 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which $10 thousand and $2.0 million would impact the effective income tax rate if recognized, respectively. Although the Company believes the tax accruals provided are reasonable, the final determination of tax returns under review or returns that may be reviewed in the future and any related litigation could result in tax liabilities that materially differ from the Company’s historical income tax provisions and accruals.

The Company has analyzed filing positions in all of the federal and state jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax years in these jurisdictions. The tax years 2001 through 2019 are open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject.

The IRS audit examinations of the Company’s income tax returns for the years 2013 through 2016 was completed during the quarter ended June 30, 2020 and the Company has received a letter dated July 7, 2020 from the Joint Committee on Taxation stating that it has taken no exception to the conclusions reached by the IRS. The final notice of proposed adjustments from the IRS examination had no adverse material impact on the Company’s overall financial results as of September 30, 2020.

The Company’s income tax returns for the tax years ended December 31, 2013 through 2015 are under examination by the California Franchise Tax Board.

14. Regulatory

The Company is subject to extensive regulation by federal and state governmental agencies and accrediting bodies. In particular, the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (“Higher Education Act”), and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Department of Education (“Department”) subject the Company to significant regulatory scrutiny on the basis of numerous standards that institutions of higher education must satisfy in order to participate in the various federal student financial aid programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (“Title IV programs”). Ashford is regionally accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (“WSCUC”).

Department of Education Program Reviews of Ashford University

In July 2016, Ashford was notified by the Department that an off-site program review had been scheduled to assess Ashford’s administration of the Title IV programs in which it participates. The off-site program review which commenced in July 2016 and covered students identified in the 2009-2012 calendar year data previously provided by Ashford to the Department in response to a request for information received from the Department’s Office of Federal Student Aid (“FSA”) back in December 2015. On September 29, 2020, Ashford received a letter from the Department noting that the reviews pertaining to the 2009-2012 calendar year were now closed out, with no further action required.

In December 2016, the Department informed Ashford that it intended to continue the program review on-site at Ashford. The on-site program review commenced in January 2017 and initially covered the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 award years, but may be expanded if the Department deems such expansion appropriate. To date, the Company has not received a draft report from the Department.

Department of Education Program Participation Agreement for Ashford University

On April 23, 2018, Ashford received an updated Program Participation Agreement from the Department. Based on the updated Program Participation Agreement, Ashford is provisionally certified to participate in Federal Student Financial Aid Programs until March 31, 2021. Ashford is required to submit its reapplication for continued certification by December 31, 2020 and will initiate the process at the appropriate date.

ZOVIO INC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Department of Education Close Out Audit of University of the Rockies

The Company previously recorded an expense of $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, in relation to the close out audit of University of the Rockies resulting from its merger with Ashford in October 2018. The expense was recorded in relation to borrower defense to repayment regulations. On September 26, 2019, the Department of Education sent Ashford a Final Audit Determination letter for the University of the Rockies. This letter confirmed that with the exception of the borrower defense to repayment regulations, none of the other audit findings resulted in financial liability. The Department also stated that additional liabilities could accrue in the future. On December 19, 2019, the Company filed an administrative appeal with the Department appealing the alleged liability on the basis that the University of Rockies did not close but rather merged with Ashford. The briefing on the appeal is complete and the Company is awaiting a decision by the administrative law judge.

WSCUC Accreditation of Ashford University

In July 2013, WSCUC granted Initial Accreditation to Ashford for five years, until July 15, 2018. In December 2013, Ashford effected its transition to WSCUC accreditation and designated its San Diego, California facilities as its main campus and its Clinton, Iowa campus as an additional location. As part of its institutional review process, WSCUC commenced its comprehensive review of Ashford with an off-site review in March 2018. As part of the WSCUC Institutional Review Process a Reaffirmation of Accreditation Visit was conducted by an evaluation team in April 2019. At its meeting in June 2019, the Commission acted to reaffirm Ashford’s accreditation through Spring 2025.

WSCUC also visited Ashford on May 1, 2019 to conduct its federally mandated, six-month post-implementation review, due to the merger of University of the Rockies and into Ashford which was finalized on October 31, 2018. WSCUC has verified that Ashford has met all post-implementation requirements related to the merger of the two entities.

Ashford submitted a change of control and legal status application (the “Change of Control Application”) to convert to AU NFP, a nonprofit California public benefit corporation, and separate from the Company (the “Conversion Transaction”). On July 12, 2019, WSCUC notified Ashford that it had approved the Change of Control Application for the Conversion Transaction. The approval is subject to certain conditions which must be met prior to the close of the Conversion Transaction, including divestiture of financial and ownership interest in the Company by all Ashford officers and related parties and submission of a revised services agreement with respect to the Conversion Transaction, including the incorporation of key performance indicators into that agreement. WSCUC would also require a post-implementation site visit of Ashford within six months.

In connection with the Purchase Agreement by and among the Company, Ashford and the University of Arizona, Ashford submitted to WSCUC, on July 1, 2020, a substantive change application for a change in ownership which requires review and approval by the Substantive Change Committee and the Structural Change Committee of the Commission. The name change from Ashford University to University of Arizona Global Campus will not occur until the change of ownership receives approval from WSCUC. The next WSCUC meeting in November 4-6, 2020, which is when this approval will first be considered. For further information regarding the Proposed Asset Purchase and Sale Transaction, refer to Note 3, “Business Combinations” to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Department of Education Abbreviated Preacquisition Review Letter

On October 7, 2019, the Company announced that the Department has provided a response to the request for review made on July 15, 2019 in connection with the Conversion Transaction to AU NFP. The request for an abbreviated preacquisition review was made in accordance with Department procedures pursuant to which the Department provides information about conditions it intends to impose in connection with the continued participation in federal Title IV student financial aid programs by the applicant following a change in ownership.

Separately, on October 7, 2020, the Company requested an abbreviated preacquisition review in connection with the proposed asset purchase and sale transaction with University of Arizona Global Campus. The Department is expected to conduct a post-closing review of Ashford following the change of control resulting from the proposed asset purchase and sale transaction consistent with the Department’s procedures during which the Department makes a determination on the institution’s request for recertification from the Department following the change of control, including whether to impose or place other conditions or restrictions on Ashford.

ZOVIO INC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Financial Responsibility

The Department calculates an institution's composite score for financial responsibility based on its (i) equity ratio, which measures the institution's capital resources, ability to borrow and financial viability; (ii) primary reserve ratio, which measures the institution's ability to support current operations from expendable resources; and (iii) net income ratio, which measures the institution's ability to operate at a profit. An institution that does not meet the Department's minimum composite score of 1.5 may demonstrate its financial responsibility by posting a letter of credit in favor of the Department and possibly accepting other conditions on its participation in the Title IV programs.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, the consolidated composite score calculated was 2.2, satisfying the composite score requirement of the Department's financial responsibility test, which institutions must satisfy to participate in Title IV programs. The Company expects the consolidated composite score for the year ended December 31, 2019 to be 0.7 and below the composite score requirement as a result of non-recurring restructuring and acquisition related charges. The Department has historically calculated Ashford’s composite score based on Zovio’s consolidated audited financial statements rather than Ashford’s stand alone audited financial statements. The deadline to submit audited financial statements was postponed by the Department from June 30, 2020 until December 31, 2020.

If either the Sale Agreement to University of Arizona or the Conversion Transaction takes place, Ashford will no longer be owned by Zovio, and therefore Ashford or its new owner will submit its stand-alone audited financial statements to the Department for the purpose of calculating the institution’s composite score. The Company expects Ashford’s composite score, based on its standalone audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, to be at least 1.6 and above the Department’s requirement for a composite score of 1.5 or greater.

If the Department calculates Ashford’s composite score based on Zovio’s consolidated financial statements, the institution’s composite score for the period ended December 31, 2019 would be below the required composite score of at least 1.5. In such event, to continue participation in Title IV programs, Ashford would either need to: (1) submit a letter of credit equal to at least 50% or more of the Title IV Program funds received by the institution during its most recently completed fiscal year; or (2) at the discretion of the Department, submit a letter of credit equal to at least 10% or more of the Title IV Program funds received by the institution during its most recently completed fiscal year and accept additional conditions (including, but not limited to, a provisional certification, compliance with monitoring requirements, remain current on debt payments, meet certain financial obligations, agree to receive Title IV Program funds under an arrangement other than the Department’s standard advance funding arrangement, and agree to pay Title IV credit balances due to students before submitting a request for funds to the Department).

GI Bill Benefits

On September 6, 2019, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) announced that effective October 1, 2019, the VA would be assuming the functions of the State Approving Agency (“SAA”) for California (“CSAAVE”), based on its negative assessment of CSAAVE’s performance during the preceding three years. On October 14, 2019, Ashford submitted the application for approval in California with the VA. On February 14, 2020, Ashford received notice from the VA, serving as the SAA for the State of California, that Ashford meets the criteria for approval for veterans education under the provisions of Title 38, United States Code, Section 3675, and that the VA, acting as the California SAA, had approved substantially all of Ashford’s programs that students and potential students could pursue using their GI Bill benefits, retroactive to July 1, 2019. This notice substantially resolved the GI Bill Benefits issue that emerged in May 2016, when the Iowa Department of Education (“Iowa DOE”), which is the Iowa SAA, informed the Company that, as a result of the planned closure of the Clinton Campus, the Iowa DOE would no longer continue to approve Ashford’s programs for GI Bill benefits after June 30, 2016, and recommended Ashford seek approval through the SAA for any location that met what the Iowa DOE determined to be the definition of a “main campus” or “branch campus.”

On June 25, 2020, the California Department of Veterans Affairs signed an agreement with the US Department of Veterans Affairs that returned the CSAAVE to its role as the SAA for the State of California. CSAAVE’s transition back into their role as the SAA became effective on July 1, 2020.

ZOVIO INC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Defense to Repayment

On October 28, 2016, the Department had published borrower defense to repayment regulations to change processes that assist students in gaining relief under certain provisions of the Direct Loan Program regulations. However, on February 14, 2018, the Department announced that it was postponing the effective date of the 2016 defense to repayment regulations until July 1, 2019, so that it could complete the negotiated rulemaking process and develop the new regulations. Because the negotiated rulemaking committee did not reach consensus, the Department published a proposed regulation through a notice of proposed rulemaking (“NPRM”), took public comment, and planned to issue final regulations by November 1, 2018, which were to be effective July 1, 2019. This did not occur.

In the Fall of 2018, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a series of orders and opinions holding these procedural delays by the Department to be improper. The Court reinstated the 2016 repayment regulations as of October 16, 2018.

The 2016 defense to repayment regulations allow a borrower to assert a defense to repayment on the basis of a substantial misrepresentation, any other misrepresentation in cases where certain other factors are present, a breach of contract or a favorable nondefault contested judgment against a school for its act or omission relating to the making of the borrower’s loan or the provision of educational services for which the loan was provided. In addition, the financial responsibility standards contained in the new regulations establish the conditions or events that trigger the requirement for an institution to provide the Department with financial protection in the form of a letter of credit or other security against potential institutional liabilities. Triggering conditions or events include, among others, certain state, federal or accrediting agency actions or investigations, and in the case of publicly traded companies, receipt of certain warnings from the SEC or the applicable stock exchange, or the failure to timely file a required annual or quarterly report with the SEC. The new regulations also prohibit schools from requiring that students agree to settle future disputes through arbitration.

On March 15, 2019, the Department issued guidance for the implementation of parts of the regulations. The guidance covers an institution's responsibility in regard to reporting mandatory and discretionary triggers as part of the financial responsibility standards, class action bans and pre-dispute arbitration agreements, submission of arbitral and judicial records, and repayment rates.

On August 30, 2019, the Department finalized the regulations derived from the 2017-2018 negotiated rulemaking process and subsequent public comments. This version of the borrower defense regulations applies to all federal student loans made on or after July 1, 2020, and, among other things: grants borrowers the right to assert borrower defense to repayment claims against institutions, regardless of whether the loan is in default or in collection proceedings; allows borrowers to file defense to repayment claims three years from either the student's date of graduation or withdrawal from the institution; and gives students the ability to allege a specific amount of financial harm and to obtain relief in an amount determined by the Department, which may be greater or lesser than their original claim amount. It also includes financial triggers and other factors for recalculating an institution's financial responsibility composite score that differ from those in the 2016 regulations.

On June 8, 2020, President Trump vetoed House Joint Resolution 56, a Congressional Review Act resolution that would block the Trump administration’s rewrite of the Obama administration borrower defense to repayment rule. On June 26, 2020, the House failed to override President Trump’s veto of a bill that would have undone the Trump administration’s borrower-defense rule. The rule went into effect on July 1, 2020 and will apply to any federal student loans made on that date or after.

In July 2020, the Department notified Ashford that they would be initiating a preliminary review of borrower defense applications from borrowers who made claims regarding Ashford. As part of the initial fact-finding process, the Department will send individual student claims to the University and allow the institution the opportunity to submit a response to the borrower’s allegations. Ashford has begun to receive these claims and is reviewing and compiling the individual facts of each case to submit to the Department for their review. Ashford has responded to everything received and cannot predict the outcome of this review at this time.

ZOVIO INC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

15. Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

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. When the Company becomes aware of a claim or potential claim, it assesses the likelihood of any loss or exposure. In accordance with GAAP, the Company records loss contingencies in its financial statements only for matters in which losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Where a range of loss can be reasonably estimated, the best estimate within that range should be accrued. If no estimate is better than another, the Company records the minimum estimated liability in the range. 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. The Company continuously assesses the potential liability related to the Company’s pending litigation and revises its estimates when additional information becomes available. Below is a list of material legal proceedings to which the Company or its subsidiaries is a party.

California Attorney General Investigation of For-Profit Educational Institutions

In January 2013, the Company received from the Attorney General of the State of California (“CA Attorney General”) an Investigative Subpoena relating to the CA Attorney General’s investigation of for-profit educational institutions. Pursuant to the Investigative Subpoena, the CA Attorney General requested documents and detailed information for the time period March 1, 2009 to the date of the Investigative Subpoena. On July 24, 2013, the CA Attorney General filed a petition to enforce certain categories of the Investigative Subpoena related to recorded calls and electronic marketing data. On September 25, 2013, the Company reached an agreement with the CA Attorney General to produce certain categories of the documents requested in the petition and stipulated to continue the hearing on the petition to enforce from October 3, 2013 to January 9, 2014. On January 13, 2014 and June 19, 2014, the Company received additional Investigative Subpoenas from the CA Attorney General, each requesting additional documents and information for the time period March 1, 2009 through each such date.

Representatives from the Company met with representatives from the CA Attorney General’s office on several occasions to discuss the status of the investigation, additional information requests, and specific concerns related to possible unfair business practices in connection with the Company’s recruitment of students and debt collection practices.

The parties also discussed a potential resolution involving injunctive relief, other non-monetary remedies and a payment to the CA Attorney General and in the third quarter of 2016, the Company recorded an expense of $8.0 million related to the cost of resolving this matter.

The parties did not reach a resolution and on November 29, 2017, the CA Attorney General filed suit against Ashford and the Company. The Company intends to vigorously defend this case and emphatically denies the allegations made by the CA Attorney General that it ever deliberately misled its students, falsely advertised its programs, or in any way was not fully accurate in its statements to investors. However, the outcome of this legal proceeding is uncertain at this point because of the many questions of fact and law that may arise. At present, the Company cannot reasonably estimate any updated range of loss for this action based on currently available information and as such, the prior accrual of $8.0 million remains and is recorded on the accounts payable and accrued liabilities line item on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Massachusetts Attorney General Investigation of Bridgepoint Education, Inc. and Ashford University

On July 21, 2014, the Company and Ashford received from the Attorney General of the State of Massachusetts (“MA Attorney General”) a Civil Investigative Demand (“MA CID”) relating to the MA Attorney General’s investigation of for-profit educational institutions and whether the university’s business practices complied with Massachusetts consumer protection laws. Pursuant to the MA CID, the MA Attorney General has requested from the Company and Ashford documents and information for the time period January 1, 2006 to present. The Company is cooperating with the investigation and cannot predict the eventual scope, duration or outcome of the investigation at this time.

ZOVIO INC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Stein Securities Class Action

On March 8, 2019, a securities class action complaint (the “Stein Complaint”) was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California by Shiva Stein naming the Company, Andrew Clark, Kevin Royal, and Joseph D’Amico as defendants (the “Defendants”). The Stein Complaint alleges that Defendants made false and materially misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts regarding the Company's business, operations and prospects, specifically that the Company had applied an improper revenue recognition methodology to students enrolled in the FTG program. The Stein Complaint asserts a putative class period stemming from March 8, 2016 to March 7, 2019. The Stein Complaint alleges violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder.

On October 1, 2019, the plaintiff filed a substantially similar amended complaint. On November 27, 2019, all defendants filed a motion to dismiss, which was granted by the Court on June 15, 2020. As a result, the matter is now concluded.

Obrochta v. Clark, et al. Shareholder Derivative Actions

On February 13, 2020, a shareholder derivative complaint was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California in San Diego. The complaint asserts derivative claims on the Company's behalf against certain of its current and former officers and directors. The complaint is captioned Obrochta v. Clark, et al. and generally alleges that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties of candor, good faith and loyalty, wasted corporate assets and were unjustly enriched. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary relief and disgorgement, as well as other equitable relief and attorneys’ fees. Following the dismissal of the underlying Stein securities class action, all parties agreed to voluntarily dismiss the case. As a result, the matter is now concluded.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following Management’s Discussions and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in Part I, Item 1 of this report. For additional information regarding our financial condition and results of operations, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 (“Form 10-K”), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 20, 2020, as well as our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in Part II, Item 8 of the Form 10-K.

Unless the context indicates otherwise, in this report the terms “Zovio,” “the Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Zovio Inc, a Delaware corporation, and its wholly owned and indirect subsidiaries.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Q”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements regarding future events, future financial and operating results, strategies, expectations, the competitive environment, regulation and the availability of financial resources, including, without limitation, statements regarding:

•our ability to either (i) successfully convert Ashford University® (“Ashford”) to a nonprofit California public benefit corporation and for Ashford to separate from the Company, including meeting all required conditions and obtaining all required approvals, or (ii) consummate another strategic opportunity regarding Ashford;

•our ability to meet other conditions of the Department with respect to the potential conversion and separation of Ashford;

•our ability to successfully close on the asset purchase agreement with the Arizona Board of Regents, for and on behalf of the University of Arizona and the University of Arizona Global Campus regarding Ashford University;

•our ability to comply with the extensive and continually evolving regulatory framework applicable to us and Ashford, including Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (“Higher Education Act”), and its implementing regulations, the gainful employment regulations, defense to repayment regulations, state authorization regulations, state laws and regulatory requirements, and accrediting agency requirements;

•projections, predictions and expectations regarding our business, financial position, results of operations, liquidity and capital resources, and enrollment trends at Ashford;

•our anticipated seasonal fluctuations in enrollment and operating results;

•our ability to obtain continued approval of Ashford’s programs for GI Bill benefits and to prevent any disruption of educational benefits to Ashford’s veteran students;

•the ability of Ashford to continue participating in the U.S. Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Program for active duty military personnel and to prevent any disruption of educational benefits to Ashford’s active duty military students;

•the outcome of various lawsuits, claims and legal proceedings;

•the impact of COVID-19 on the timing of the Ashford transactions, on the economy, and the demand for our services and the collectibility of our receivables;

•initiatives focused on student success, retention and academic quality;

•expectations regarding the adequacy of our cash and cash equivalents and other sources of liquidity for ongoing operations, planned capital expenditures and working capital requirements;

•expectations regarding capital expenditures;

•the impact of accounting standards on our financial statements;

•the reasonableness and acceptance of our tax accruals;

•management's goals and objectives; and

•other similar matters that are not historical facts.

Forward-looking statements may generally be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions, as well as statements in the future tense.

Forward-looking statements should not be interpreted as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at or by which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time such statements are made and the current good faith beliefs, expectations and assumptions of management regarding future events. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of some of these risks and uncertainties, see Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” as well as the discussion of such risks and uncertainties contained in our other filings with the SEC, including the Form 10-K.

All forward-looking statements in this report are qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements included herein, and you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect actual results or any changes in our assumptions or expectations or any other factors affecting such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. If we do update or revise one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

Overview

Zovio Inc 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. Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Ashford is a regionally accredited academic institution, which delivers its programs online. Ashford offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs. As of September 30, 2020, Ashford offered approximately 1,100 courses and approximately 65 degree programs.

In April 2019, the Company acquired both Fullstack Academy, Inc (“Fullstack”) and TutorMe.com, Inc. (“TutorMe”), which each became wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company. Fullstack is an innovative web development school offering immersive technology bootcamps, and TutorMe is an online education platform that provides 24/7 on-demand tutoring and online courses. Fullstack and TutorMe are both contributors to Zovio's strategy of becoming a best-in-class education technology services company.

Key operating data

In evaluating our operating performance, management focuses in large part on our (i) revenue, (ii) operating income (loss) and (iii) period-end enrollment at Ashford. The following table, which should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report, presents our key operating data for each of the periods presented (in thousands, except for enrollment data):


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Consolidated Statement of Income Data:
Revenue	$	102,166	$	104,251	$	303,978	$	321,510
Operating income (loss)	$	654	$	(7,849)	$	(4,556)	$	(35,373)

Consolidated Other Data:
Period-end enrollment (1)	34,623		36,349		34,623		36,349

(1) We define period-end enrollment as the number of active students on the last day of the financial reporting period. A student is considered active if the student has attended a class within the prior 15 days or is on an institutionally-approved break not to exceed 45 days, unless the student has graduated or provided notice of withdrawal, or for new students who have completed their third week of attendance, and posted attendance in the fourth week.

Key enrollment trends

Enrollment at Ashford decreased 4.7% to 34,623 students at September 30, 2020 as compared to 36,349 students at September 30, 2019. Enrollment decreased by 0.3% since the end of the preceding fiscal year, from 34,722 students at December 31, 2019 to 34,623 students at September 30, 2020. We believe the decline in enrollment is partially attributable to the continued regulatory scrutiny of the online education industry.

We continue to make investments in the workflow along the student lifecycle to better support incoming and current students, and we saw new enrollment growth for the third quarter for 2020 as compared to the prior year. Our team remains focused and energized at the steady flow of new inquiries. Student retention for the quarter also saw improvement in the third quarter of 2020.

Enrollments in the Education Partnerships programs with various employers accounted for approximately 34% of Ashford's total enrollment as of September 30, 2020. Some of these programs provide companies with the opportunity to offer their employees a way to pursue and complete a college degree without incurring any student debt. Revenue derived from Education Partnerships is cash pay and is therefore not considered federal student aid for purposes of calculations under the 90/10 rule.

Trends and uncertainties regarding revenue and continuing operations

Proposed sale transaction

Zovio Inc, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), through its wholly owned subsidiary, Ashford University, LLC, a California limited liability company (“AU LLC”), owns and operates Ashford University, a regionally-accredited, online university (the “University”). On August 1, 2020, the Company and AU LLC entered into a definitive Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), by and among the Company, AU LLC, the Arizona Board of Regents, a body corporate, for and on behalf of the University of Arizona (the “University of Arizona”), and the University of Arizona Global Campus, a newly formed Arizona nonprofit corporation (“University of Arizona Global Campus”). Upon the closing of the transaction contemplated by the Purchase Agreement (the “Sale”), University of Arizona Global Campus will own and operate the University in affiliation with the University of Arizona and with a focus on expanding access to education for non-traditional adult learners. The board of directors of the Company, on behalf of the Company and AU LLC and with the support of the University’s board of trustees, has approved the Purchase Agreement and the consummation of the Sale in accordance with its terms. University of Arizona and University of Arizona Global Campus have also received all authorizations necessary to enter into the Purchase Agreement and consummate the Sale in accordance with its terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein.

Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, at the closing of the Sale, the Company and AU LLC have agreed to transfer to University of Arizona Global Campus the tangible and intangible academic and related operations and assets comprising the University to University of Arizona Global Campus for consideration of $1.00 and University of Arizona Global Campus’s agreement to assume certain related liabilities. The transferred assets will include the University’s academic curriculum and content (subject to a license of that content back to the Company for use in its continuing business) and $16.5 million in cash to fund working capital and, at closing, the Company will make an additional cash payment to University of Arizona Global Campus of $37.5 million. In addition, at the closing of the Sale, the University’s faculty, academic leadership and related staff will transfer their employment from AU LLC to University of Arizona Global Campus.

The Purchase Agreement includes customary representations, warranties, covenants, and indemnities by the parties, including (a) covenants generally requiring the Company and AU LLC to operate the University in the ordinary course prior to the closing, and (b) covenants generally requiring the respective parties to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the transaction to be consummated. Other than the specific liabilities assumed by University of Arizona Global Campus, the Company and AU LLC will generally remain responsible for liabilities of the University relating to periods prior to the closing.

The closing of Sale is subject to customary closing conditions for transactions in this sector, including (a) the approval of the change in ownership of the University by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, the University’s institutional accrediting body, (b) the issuance by the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) of a pre-acquisition review notice that does not require the University or University of Arizona Global Campus to post a letter of credit in order to obtain from ED a Temporary Provisional Program Participation Agreement (“TPPPA”) or a Provisional Program Participation Agreement (“PPPA”) or require the University of Arizona to co-sign the TPPPA or PPPA (either separately or as a condition of not receiving a letter of credit in order to obtain a TPPPA or PPPA); provided, however, that this condition generally will expire and be of no force and effect and University of Arizona Global Campus and University of Arizona shall be deemed to have waived this condition for all purposes, if ED does not issue such notice prior to December 1, 2020, and (c) the expiration or early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended.

In connection with the closing of the Sale, the Company and University of Arizona Global Campus will enter into a long-term strategic services agreement (the “Strategic Services Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company will provide recruiting, financial aid, counseling, institutional support, information technology, and academic support services to University of Arizona Global Campus. The Strategic Services Agreement has an initial term of fifteen (15) years, subject to renewal options, although University of Arizona Global Campus has the right to terminate the agreement after seven (7) years subject to the payment of a termination fee equal to one-hundred (100%) of the services fees paid to the Company in the trailing twelve (12) month period (payable half in cash and half in an unsecured note).

In return for providing services under the Strategic Services Agreement, University of Arizona Global Campus, after covering its direct costs of operations (which may not be increased by more than 2% per year), will pay to the Company services fees equal to the Company’s direct costs to provide the services plus an additional amount equal to 19.5% of University of Arizona Global Campus’s tuition and fees revenue. If, in year seven or later, University of Arizona Global Campus’s tuition and fees revenue is $440.0 million or less, then the Company’s revenue share percentage is subject to decrease on a sliding scale to between 18.1% and 15.5%, subject to increase back up to 19.5% if, in any subsequent year, University of Arizona Global Campus’s tuition and fee revenue again exceeds $440.0 million. In addition, the parties have agreed on certain minimum profit levels to be achieved by University of Arizona Global Campus after payment of the Company’s services fees of $12.5 million in the second year of the agreement, $25.0 million in years 3-5, and $10.0 million in years 6-15; subject to certain limitations, the Company is required to adjust its fees in any year to the extent necessary for University of Arizona Global Campus to achieve such minimum levels.

After the seventh year of the Strategic Services Agreement, either party may terminate the agreement if University of Arizona Global Campus achieves tuition and fees revenue of $400.0 million or less. Each party also has certain termination rights in connection with a material breach of the agreement by the other party and upon certain other defined events.

At the closing of the Sale, the Company and University of Arizona Global Campus will also enter into a transition services agreement (the “Transition Services Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company will provide certain services to University of Arizona Global Campus on a transition basis in return for fees equal to the Company’s direct costs to provide such services. University of Arizona Global Campus may transition any of these services at any time on six months’ advance notice, and all such services will be transitioned to University of Arizona Global Campus within three years.

On July 1, 2020, and in connection with the transaction recently announced, Ashford submitted to WSCUC a substantive change application for a change in ownership which requires review and approval by the Substantive Change Committee and the Structural Change Committee of the Commission. The university’s name change from Ashford University to University of Arizona Global Campus will not occur until the change of ownership receives approval from WSCUC.

Restructuring and impairment expense

We implemented various restructuring plans to better align our resources with our business strategy and the related charges are recorded in the restructuring and impairment expense line item on our condensed consolidated statements of income (loss). Changes to these estimates could have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. For information regarding the restructuring and impairment expense recorded, refer to Note 5, “Restructuring and Impairment Expense” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

Valuation allowance

We recognize deferred tax assets if realization of such assets is more-likely-than-not. In order to make this determination, we evaluate factors including the ability to generate future taxable income from reversing taxable temporary differences, forecasts of financial and taxable income or loss. The cumulative loss incurred over the three-year period ended September 30, 2020 constituted significant negative objective evidence against our ability to realize a benefit from our federal deferred tax assets. Such objective evidence limited our ability to consider in our evaluation other subjective evidence such as our projections for future growth. On the basis of our evaluation, we determined that our deferred tax assets were not more-likely-than-not to be realized and that a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets should continue to be maintained as of September 30, 2020.

On March 27, 2020, the US government enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). The CARES Act is an emergency economic stimulus package passed in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The CARES Act, among other things, includes provisions relating to refundable payroll tax credits, deferment of employer side social security payments, net operating loss (“NOL”) carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credit refunds, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property. As of September 30, 2020, the Company has recorded an income tax benefit of $12.7 million directly related to the net operating loss carryback provisions under the CARES Act.

Recent Regulatory Developments

Negotiated Rulemaking

On July 31, 2018, the Department published a notice in the Federal Register announcing its intention to establish a negotiated rulemaking committee (the “Rulemaking Committee”) to prepare proposed regulations for the Federal Student Aid programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. In September 2018, interested parties commented at three public hearings on the topics suggested by the Department in the notice, and suggested additional topics for consideration for action by the Rulemaking Committee.

The Rulemaking Committee met from January through March of 2019 on topics related to accreditation, competency-based education, state approval of online programs, and distance learning. The Rulemaking Committee reached consensus on all topics and the Department issued proposed regulations based on that consensus on June 12, 2019. On October 31, 2019, the Department issued final regulations on accreditation and state authorization to be effective on July 1, 2020. Ashford early implemented these regulations in March 2020.

The new regulations, among other things to: (1) define the roles and responsibilities of accrediting agencies, States, and the Department in oversight of institutions participating in the Federal Student Aid programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (Title IV, Higher Education Act programs); (2) establish “substantial compliance” as the standard for agency recognition; (3) modify “substantive change” requirements to provide greater flexibility to institutions to innovate and respond to the needs of students and employers, while maintaining strict agency oversight in instances of more complicated or higher risk changes in institutional mission, program mix, or level of credential offered; (4) clarify the Department’s accrediting agency recognition process, including accurate recognition of the geographic area within which an agency conducts business; and (5) modify the requirements for state authorization.

State Authorization for Distance Education Rules

To be eligible to participate in Title IV programs, an institution must be legally authorized to offer its educational programs by the states in which it is physically located. An institution is legally authorized by a state if, among other things, it meets one of the following sets of requirements:

• the state establishes the institution by name as an educational institution through a charter, statute, constitutional provision or other action issued by an appropriate state agency or state entity and is authorized to operate educational programs beyond secondary education, including programs leading to a degree or certificate; the institution complies with any applicable state approval or licensure requirements, except that the state may exempt the institution from any state approval or licensure requirement based on the institution's accreditation by one or more accrediting agencies recognized by the Department or based upon the institution being in operation for at least 20 years; and the state has a process to review and appropriately act on complaints concerning the institution including the enforcement of state laws;

• the institution is established by the state on the basis of an authorization to conduct business in the state or to operate as a nonprofit charitable organization; the institution, by name, is approved or licensed by the state to offer programs beyond secondary education, including programs leading to a degree or certificate; and the institution is not exempt from the state's approval or licensure requirements based on accreditation, years in operation, or other comparable exemption; and the state has a process to review and appropriately act on complaints concerning the institution including the enforcement of state laws; or

• the institution is exempt from state authorization as a religious institution under the state constitution or by state law, and the state has a process to review and appropriately act on complaints concerning the institution and to enforce applicable state laws.

The Department has stated that it will not publish a list of states that meet, or fail to meet, the above requirements, and it is unclear how the Department will interpret these requirements in each state.

The regulations also provide that if an institution is offering postsecondary education through distance or correspondence education to students in a state in which it is not physically located or in which it is otherwise subject to state jurisdiction as determined by the state, the institution must meet any state requirements to legally offer postsecondary distance or correspondence education to students in that state. Additionally, upon request by the Department, an institution must be able to document that it has the applicable state approval.

Additional Proposed Rules on Distance Education and Innovation

On April 2, 2020, the Department released proposed rules covering Distance Education and other topics which were not covered in the Departments two prior rule making packages. The proposed changes include amending definitions of “distance education” and “correspondence courses” as well as other key terminology like “clock” and “credit hour.” The proposed rule also addresses competency based education, regular and substantive interaction, incarcerated students, and foreign schools. The Department allowed for a short comment period which ended on May 4, 2020.

Gainful Employment

In October 2014, the Department published gainful employment regulations impacting programs required to prepare graduates for gainful employment in a recognized occupation. The gainful employment regulations became effective July 1, 2015, with certain institutional disclosure requirements which became effective early 2017.

On July 1, 2019, the Department of Education published a final rule rescinding the Department’s 2014 gainful employment regulations. The Higher Education Act requires that regulations affecting programs under Title IV be published in final form by November 1, prior to the start of the award year (July 1) to which they become effective. This section also permits the Secretary to designate any regulation as one that an entity subject to the regulations may choose to implement earlier, as well as conditions for early implementation. The Department designated the regulatory changes for early implementation, and an institution that early implements the rescission must document its early implementation internally. Ashford has chosen and documented early implementation.

Institutions that have early implemented the rescission of the gainful employment rule are not required to report gainful employment data to the National Student Loan Data System. Additionally, those institutions that have early implemented are

not required to include the disclosure template, or a link thereto, in their gainful employment program promotional materials and directly distribute the disclosure template to prospective students. Institutions that have early implemented are no longer required to post the gainful employment disclosure template and may remove the template and any other gainful employment disclosures from their web pages.

Cohort Default Rate

For each federal fiscal year, the Department calculates a rate of student defaults over a three-year measuring period for each educational institution, which is known as a “cohort default rate.” An institution may lose its eligibility to participate in the Direct Loan Program and the Federal Pell Grant Program if, for any federal fiscal years, 40% or more of its students who became subject to a repayment obligation in that federal fiscal year defaulted on such obligation by the end of the following federal fiscal year.

The most recent official three-year cohort default rates for Ashford for the 2017, 2016 and 2015 federal fiscal years were 14.7%, 13.7% and 13.5% respectively.

For additional information regarding the regulatory environment and related risks, see Part I, Item 1, “Business” and Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of the Form 10-K.

Seasonality

Our operations are generally subject to seasonal trends. We generally experience a seasonal increase in new enrollments during the first quarter of each year, subsequent to holiday break, as well as during the third quarter each year, when most other colleges and universities begin their fall semesters. While we enroll students throughout the year, our fourth quarter revenue generally is lower than other quarters due to the holiday break in December, with an increase in the first quarter of each year.

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

The critical accounting policies and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements are described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates” included in Part II, Item 7 of the Form 10-K.

On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, using the modified retrospective method. For information regarding the impact of this recent accounting pronouncements, refer to Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Recent Accounting Pronouncements” as well as Note 7, “Accounts Receivable” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

There were no other material changes to these critical accounting policies and estimates during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Results of Operations

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


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Revenue	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Costs and expenses:
Instructional costs and services	44.0		49.2		44.8		49.2
Admissions advisory and marketing	40.7		39.1		40.2		41.9
General and administrative	14.5		16.7		15.4		17.4

Restructuring and impairment expense	0.2		2.4		1.1		2.5

Total costs and expenses	99.4		107.4		101.5		111.0
Operating income (loss)	0.6		(7.4)		(1.5)		(11.0)
Other income (expense), net	0.0		0.1		0.0		0.3
Income (loss) before income taxes	0.6		(7.3)		(1.5)		(10.7)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(0.5)		(0.1)		(4.2)		(0.8)
Net income (loss)	1.1	%	(7.2)	%	2.7	%	(9.9)	%

Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

Revenue. Our revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was $102.2 million and $104.3 million, respectively, a decrease of $2.1 million, or 2.0%. The decrease between periods was primarily due to a decrease of 7.6% in average weekly enrollment from 36,590 students for the three month period ended September 30, 2019 to 33,823 students for the three month period ended September 30, 2020. As a result of the decrease in enrollments, tuition revenue decreased by $1.6 million, net revenue generated from course digital materials decreased by $0.3 million, and technology fee revenue decreased by $0.1 million. The decrease in revenue between periods was also due to higher scholarships for the period, an increase of $1.5 million. The overall revenue decrease was partially offset by an increase in net revenue from subsidiaries of $1.5 million, as well as a tuition and fees increase at Ashford, effective January 2020.

Instructional costs and services. Our instructional costs and services for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were $44.9 million and $51.4 million, respectively, a decrease of $6.5 million, or 12.6%. Specific decreases between periods primarily include direct compensation of $3.8 million, facilities costs of $1.8 million, corporate support services of $0.9 million, and other subsidiary costs of $0.7 million, partially offset by an increase in technology costs of $0.6 million. Instructional costs and services, as a percentage of revenue, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were 44.0% and 49.2%, respectively, a decrease of 5.2%. This decrease primarily included decreases in direct compensation of 3.3%, facilities costs of 1.7%, corporate support services of 0.7%, and other subsidiary costs of 0.6%, partially offset by an increase in technology costs of 0.7%. As a percentage of revenue, bad debt expense was 3.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to 2.9% for three months ended September 30, 2019.

Admissions advisory and marketing. Our admissions advisory and marketing expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were $41.6 million and $40.8 million, respectively, an increase of $0.8 million, or 1.9%. Specific factors contributing to the overall increase between periods were increases in advertising costs of $0.9 million, compensation of $0.9 million, and other subsidiary costs of $0.5 million, partially offset by a decrease in facilities costs of $1.4 million. Admissions advisory and marketing, as a percentage of revenue, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were 40.7% and 39.1%, respectively, an increase of 1.6%. This increase primarily included increases in advertising costs of 1.2%, compensation of 1.2%, and other subsidiary costs of 0.5%, partially offset by a decrease in facilities costs of 1.3%.

General and administrative. Our general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were $14.8 million and $17.4 million, respectively, a decrease of $2.6 million, or 15.0%. The decrease between periods was primarily due to decreases in administrative compensation of $3.2 million and professional fees of $0.7 million, partially

offset by an increase in other administrative costs of $1.3 million. General and administrative expenses, as a percentage of revenue, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were 14.5% and 16.7%, respectively, a decrease of 2.2%. This decrease was primarily due to decreases in administrative compensation of 2.9% and professional fees of 0.6%, partially offset by increases in other administrative costs of 1.4%.

Restructuring and impairment expense. We recorded a charge of approximately $0.2 million to restructuring and impairment expense for the three months ended September 30, 2020, primarily due to relocation costs. For the three months ended September 30, 2019, we recorded a charge of approximately $2.5 million to restructuring and impairment expense, comprised primarily of a reduction in force and revised estimates of lease charges.

Other (expense) income, net. Our other expense, net, was $39 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and other income, net, was $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease between periods was primarily due to a loss on deferred compensation investments for the three months ended September 30, 2020.

Income tax expense (benefit). We recognized an income tax benefit of $0.4 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, respectively, at effective tax rates of (61.8)% and 1.9%, respectively. The income tax benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was mainly attributable to tax refund true-ups related to the CARES Act and IRS audit examination.

Net income (loss). Our net income was $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to net loss of $7.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, a $8.7 million increase in net income as a result of the factors discussed above.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

Revenue. Our revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was $304.0 million and $321.5 million, respectively, a decrease of $17.5 million, or 5.5%. The decrease between periods was primarily due to a decrease of 8.2% in average weekly enrollment from 37,794 students for the nine month period ended September 30, 2019 to 34,691 students for the nine month period ended September 30, 2020. As a result of the decrease in enrollments, tuition revenue decreased by $15.3 million, technology fee revenue decreased by $1.3 million and net revenue generated from course digital materials decreased by $1.3 million. The decrease in revenue between periods was also due to higher scholarships for the period, an increase of $6.9 million. The overall revenue decrease was partially offset by an increase in net revenue from subsidiaries of $7.7 million, as well as a tuition and fees increase at Ashford, effective January 2020.

Instructional costs and services. Our instructional costs and services for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were $136.2 million and $158.4 million, respectively, a decrease of $22.2 million, or 14.0%. In addition to the decline in enrollment, specific decreases between periods include direct compensation costs of $11.4 million, corporate support services of $5.5 million, facilities costs of $2.1 million, business related travel of $0.9 million, other subsidiary costs of $0.8 million, and license fees of $0.7 million. Instructional costs and services, as a percentage of revenue, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were 44.8% and 49.2%, respectively, a decrease of 4.4%. This decrease primarily included decreases in direct compensation costs of 2.7%, corporate support services of 1.4%, facilities costs of 0.5% and business related travel of 0.3%, partially offset by an increase in instructor fees of 0.3%. As a percentage of revenue, bad debt expense was 3.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to 3.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Admissions advisory and marketing. Our admissions advisory and marketing expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were $122.2 million and $134.7 million, respectively, a decrease of $12.5 million, or 9.3%. As a result of our change in marketing strategy and the shift in advertising mix, specific factors contributing to the overall decrease between periods include decreases in advertising costs of $5.2 million, compensation of $5.1 million, facilities costs of $1.9 million, business related travel of $1.2 million, and professional fees of $0.6 million, partially offset by an increase in corporate support services of $2.4 million. Our admissions advisory and marketing expenses, as a percentage of revenue, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were 40.2% and 41.9%, respectively, a decrease of 1.7%. This decrease primarily included decreases in compensation of 0.8%, advertising costs of 0.6%, facilities costs of 0.5% and business related travel of 0.4%, partially offset by an increase in corporate support services of 0.7%.

General and administrative. Our general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were $46.8 million and $55.8 million, respectively, a decrease of $9.0 million, or 16.3%. The decrease between periods was primarily due to decreases in acquisition costs of $8.4 million, compensation of $3.4 million and professional fees of $2.0

million, partially offset by increases in corporate support services of $3.1 million and other administrative costs of $1.7 million. Our general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of revenue, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were 15.4% and 17.4%, respectively, a decrease of 2.0%. This decrease was primarily due to decreases in acquisition costs of 2.7%, compensation of 0.5%, and professional fees of 0.4%, partially offset by increases in other administrative costs of 0.8% and corporate support services of 0.7%.

Restructuring and impairment expense. We recognized $3.4 million of restructuring and impairment expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, comprised primarily of severance costs resulting from a reduction in force as well as revised estimates of lease charges and relocation costs. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, there were $7.9 million of similar restructuring and impairment expenses.

Other (expense) income, net. Our other expense, net was $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, as compared to other income, net of $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, a decrease of $1.1 million. The decrease between periods was primarily due to decreased interest income on average cash balances and a loss on deferred compensation investments.

Income tax benefit. We recognized an income tax benefit of $12.9 million and $2.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, at effective tax rates of 279.5% and 7.4%, respectively. The income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was mainly attributable to the $12.7 million refund claims from the net operating loss carryback provisions of the CARES Act.

Net income (loss). Our net income was $8.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to net loss of $31.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, a $40.1 million increase in net income as a result of the factors discussed above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We finance our operating activities and capital expenditures primarily through cash on hand. At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, our cash and cash equivalents were $86.6 million and $69.3 million, total restricted cash was $26.6 million and $23.3 million, and we had investments of $1.3 million and $2.5 million, respectively. At September 30, 2020, we had $2.8 million of long-term notes payable.

There was a slight decrease in the fair value of our investments at September 30, 2020 as compared to December 31, 2019. We believe that any fluctuations we have experienced are temporary in nature and, while some of our securities are classified as available-for-sale, we have the ability and intent to hold them until maturity, if necessary, to recover their full value.

Our income tax receivable increased from December 31, 2019 to September 30, 2020 due to the changes in income tax law related to net operating loss utilization as a result of the CARES Act. The Company recorded tax refund in a total of $12.7 million and received $6.2 million in June 2020. We anticipate receiving the remaining refund by the end of 2020.

Pursuant to the proposed Ashford Sale transaction, the Company would be required to transfer $16.5 million in cash to fund working capital and, at closing, the Company will make an additional cash payment to University of Arizona Global Campus of $37.5 million. For additional information, see “Trends and uncertainties regarding revenue and continuing operations - Proposed sale transaction” above.

We manage our excess cash pursuant to the quantitative and qualitative operational guidelines of our cash investment policy. Our cash investment policy, which is managed by our Chief Financial Officer, has the following primary objectives: (i) preserving principal, (ii) meeting our liquidity needs, (iii) minimizing market and credit risk, and (iv) providing after-tax returns. Under the policy’s guidelines, we invest our excess cash exclusively in high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated financial instruments. For a discussion of the measures we use to mitigate the exposure of our cash investments to market risk, credit risk and interest rate risk, see Part I, Item 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in this Form 10-Q.

Title IV and other governmental funding

Ashford derives the majority of its respective revenues from students who enroll and are eligible for various federal student financial assistance programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. Ashford is subject to significant regulatory scrutiny as a result of numerous standards that must be satisfied in order to participate in Title IV programs. For

additional information regarding Title IV programs and the regulation thereof, see “Business—Regulation” included in Part I, Item 1 of the Form 10-K. The balance of revenues derived by Ashford is from government tuition assistance programs for military personnel, including veterans, payments made in cash by individuals, reimbursement from corporate affiliates and private loans.

If we were to become ineligible to receive Title IV funding or other governmental funding, our liquidity would be significantly impacted. The timing of disbursements under Title IV programs is based on federal regulations and our ability to successfully and timely arrange financial aid for Ashford’s students. Title IV funds are generally provided in multiple disbursements before we earn a significant portion of tuition and fees and incur related expenses over the period of instruction. Students must apply for new loans and grants each academic year. These factors, together with the timing at which Ashford’s students begin their programs, affect our revenues and operating cash flow.

Stock repurchase programs

The Company's board of directors may authorize us to repurchase outstanding shares of its common stock from time to time in the open market through block trades or otherwise depending on market conditions and other considerations, pursuant to the applicable rules of the SEC. The Company's policy is to retain these repurchased shares as treasury shares and not to retire them. The amount and timing of future share repurchases, if any, will be made as market and business conditions warrant. The timing and extent of any repurchases will depend upon market conditions, the trading price of our shares and other factors, and subject to the restrictions relating to volume, price and timing under applicable law. We may commence or suspend share repurchases at any time or from time to time.

Operating activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $20.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $38.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, an overall increase between periods in net cash provided by operating activities of $58.3 million. The increase in cash provided by operating activities is primarily attributable to the $40.1 million increase in net income between periods and increases in working capital, partially offset a decreases in lease expense and in stock compensation.

Investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $1.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $46.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 were $2.6 million, compared to $27.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we used $19.3 million of cash paid for acquisition. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we capitalized costs for intangibles of $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively. We expect our capital expenditures to be approximately $4.3 million for the year ending December 31, 2020.

Financing activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $2.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, $2.7 million of cash provided by financing activities was cash received in the current period for which it will be repaid as a function of generating future revenue. During each of the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, net cash used included tax withholdings related to the issuance of restricted stock units vesting.

Based on our current level of operations, we believe that our future cash flows from operating activities and our existing cash and cash equivalents will provide adequate funds for ongoing operations, planned capital expenditures and working capital requirements for at least the next 12 months. However, changes could occur that would consume our available capital resources before that time. Our capital requirements depend on numerous factors, including our ability to continue to generate revenue. There can be no assurance that additional funding, if necessary, will be available to us on favorable terms, if at all.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As part of our normal business operations, we are required to provide surety bonds in certain states where we do business. In May 2009, we entered into a surety bond facility with an insurance company to provide such bonds when required. As of September 30, 2020, the surety had issued $8.6 million of bonds on our behalf under this facility.

Significant Contractual Obligations

The following table sets forth, as of September 30, 2020, certain significant cash and contractual obligations that may affect our future liquidity:


	Payments Due by Period
(In thousands)	Total		2020		2021		2022		2023		2024		Thereafter
Operating lease obligations	$	44,066	$	2,441	$	8,915	$	5,299	$	3,805	$	3,538	$	20,068
Other contractual obligations	47,632		6,584		13,417		10,470		8,132		4,925		4,104
Uncertain tax positions	28		—		—		28		—		—		—
Total	$	91,726	$	9,025	$	22,332	$	15,797	$	11,937	$	8,463	$	24,172

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For information regarding recent accounting pronouncements, refer to Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market and Credit Risk

Pursuant to our cash investment policy, we attempt to mitigate the exposure of our cash and investments to market and credit risk by (i) diversifying concentration to ensure we are not overly concentrated in a limited number of financial institutions, (ii) monitoring and managing the risks associated with the national banking and credit markets, (iii) investing in U.S. dollar-denominated assets and instruments only, (iv) diversifying account structures so that we maintain a decentralized account portfolio with numerous stable, highly rated and liquid financial institutions and (v) ensuring that our investment procedures maintain a defined and specific scope such that we will not invest in higher-risk investment accounts, including financial swaps or derivative and corporate equities. Accordingly, pursuant to the guidelines established by our cash investment policy, we invest our excess cash exclusively in high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated financial instruments.

Despite the investment risk mitigation strategies we employ, we may incur investment losses as a result of unusual and unpredictable market developments, and we may experience reduced investment earnings if the yields on investments that are deemed to be low risk remain low or decline further in this time of economic uncertainty. Unusual and unpredictable market developments may also create liquidity challenges for certain of the assets in our investment portfolio.

We have no derivative financial instruments or derivative commodity instruments.

Interest Rate Risk

To the extent we borrow funds, we would be subject to fluctuations in interest rates. As of September 30, 2020, we had approximately $2.8 million in long-term notes payable.

Our future investment income may fall short of expectations due to changes in interest rates. At September 30, 2020, a hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in interest rates would not have a material impact on our future earnings, fair value or cash flows related to interest earned on our cash, cash equivalents or investments.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act, that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer, we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(b) and Rule 15d-15(b) of the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2020.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting, during the three months ended September 30, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

For information regarding our legal proceedings, refer to Note 15, “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report, which note is incorporated by reference into this Part II, Item 1.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Investing in our common stock involves risk. Before making an investment in our common stock, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of the Form 10-K. The risks described in the Form 10-K are those which we believe are the material risks we face, and such risks could materially adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may impact us. Except as set forth below, there have been no material changes in our risk factors from those previously disclosed in the Form 10-K.

Risks Related to the Proposed Ashford Transactions and Proposed Change in the Structure of Our Operations

Failure to complete the asset purchase agreement with the Arizona Board of Regents, for and on behalf of the University of Arizona and the University of Arizona Global Campus, which is subject to conditions and also may not close due to uncertainties, may prevent us from executing on our strategic plans, and could materially and adversely impact us.

The asset purchase agreement with the Arizona Board of Regents, a body corporate, for and on behalf of the University of Arizona and the University of Arizona Global Campus is subject to certain conditions, some of which are out of our control. There can be no assurance when or whether these conditions will be satisfied or, to the extent waivable, waived or the occurrence of any effect, event, development or change will not transpire. If these conditions are not satisfied or waived, if permitted, the asset purchase agreement may be terminated and would not be completed.

There can be no assurance with respect to the timing of the completion of the asset purchase agreement or whether it will be completed on its current terms, or at all. If it is not completed for any reason, we may not be able to fully implement our strategic plans, or such plans would be delayed, which could have a material adverse impact on our future expected financial performance.

The Conversion Transaction is subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals that if not obtained, could delay or prevent its consummation, and an excessive delay in finalizing the Conversion Transaction could disrupt our business during its pendency.

The Conversion Transaction remains subject to various regulatory approvals following the conversion. There can be no assurances that these regulatory approvals will be obtained on the currently contemplated timeline or at all. In addition, as a condition to granting these regulatory approvals, a regulatory authority may require changes to the structure of the Conversion Transaction, and these changes may negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations. A material delay in obtaining such approvals may create uncertainty or otherwise have negative consequences, including adverse changes in our relationships with Ashford’s students, vendors and faculty; adverse impacts on employee recruiting and retention efforts; and diversion of management’s attention and internal resources from ongoing business, any of which may materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. We cannot predict with certainty whether and when any of the required regulatory approvals will be granted. Whether or not the Conversion Transaction is consummated, while it is pending, we will continue to incur costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the Conversion Transaction.

If the Conversion Transaction is consummated, we will be subject to various risks and uncertainties arising out of the changes in the structure of our operations, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business and operations, and our stock price.

Having obtained most regulatory approvals and agreed upon the general structure and major terms and conditions regarding the Conversion Transaction, if it is ultimately consummated, then various aspects of our operations would change in important ways. These changes include, but are not limited to, the following:

•Following the Conversion Transaction, we would no longer own and operate a regulated institution of higher education, but we would instead be an education technology service provider to AU NFP and possibly other third-party education providers. While the services we would provide are services that we provide as part of our business today, we have no experience operating solely as an education technology service provider to third parties.

•Initially, all of our revenue would be derived pursuant to the services agreement with AU NFP. Accordingly, AU NFP’s ability to increase its enrollment and tuition and fee revenue, and our ability to continue to perform the services necessary to enable AU NFP to achieve such goals, would be critical to the success of our services business.

If the Conversion Transaction is consummated, but we are unable to successfully re-focus our business to providing education technology services to third-party education providers, or if the contemplated services agreement with AU NFP fails to achieve the anticipated levels of performance, then our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as our stock price, could be materially and adversely affected.

If the Department does not approve the change of control related to the Conversion Transaction and recertify Ashford to continue participating in the Title IV programs, its students would lose their access to Title IV program funds, or there are significant limitations as a condition of Ashford’s continued participation in the Title IV programs, as a service provider to Ashford, our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as our stock price, could be materially and adversely affected.

Institutions are required to seek recertification from the Department on a regular basis in order to continue their participation in Title IV programs. An institution must also apply for recertification by the Department if it undergoes a change in control, as defined by the Department regulations, and may be subject to similar review if it expands its operations or educational programs in certain ways. Ashford’s conversion to nonprofit status as a part of the Conversion Transaction, if consummated, would constitute a change in control of Ashford. The Department conducted an abbreviated preacquisition review of the change of control and is expected to conduct a post-closing review of Ashford following the change of control resulting from the Conversion Transaction, if consummated. See “Regulation – U.S. Department of Education Abbreviated Preacquisition Review Letter” in Item 1, “Business.” There can be no assurance that the Department will recertify Ashford or that the Department will not impose conditions or other restrictions on Ashford as a condition of granting Ashford a provisional certification following the proposed change in control. If the Department does not renew, or withdraws, the certification of Ashford to participate in the Title IV programs at any time, Ashford’s students would no longer be able to receive Title IV program funds. Similarly, the Department could renew Ashford’s certification, but restrict or delay Ashford’s students’ receipt of Title IV funds, limit the students to whom Ashford could disburse funds, decline to approve Ashford as a nonprofit institution for Title IV purposes, or place other restrictions on Ashford.

Any of these outcomes would have a material adverse effect on us. If the Conversion Transaction is consummated, we would no longer own or operate Ashford, and we would no longer participate in the Title IV programs as an institution. However, we would face the risks discussed above in connection with providing services to Ashford as a third-party education technology services provider, including adverse effects on our business and operations from a reduction or loss in our revenues under the contemplated services agreement if Ashford loses or has limits placed on its Title IV eligibility.

The separation of Ashford via the Conversion Transaction, may not be completed on the terms or timeline currently contemplated and failure to complete, or any delay of, the separation of Ashford from Zovio Inc may negatively impact our planned business, financial condition or results of operations.

The Conversion Transaction, which may be subject to a number of conditions including, among other things, regulatory approval. There can be no assurance that the conditions to the completion of the Conversion Transaction will be satisfied, or that the separation will be completed on the terms or timeline currently contemplated, if at all. Other unanticipated developments could further delay, prevent or otherwise adversely affect the separation of the university, including disruptions in the capital and other financial markets, among other things. If the separation of the university is not completed or is delayed, we will be subject to several risks, including but not limited to:

•a failure to complete the separation and transition or a delay in such events could result in a negative perception by the market of the Company generally and a resulting decline in the market price of our common stock;

•the Company and Ashford may experience negative reactions from its employees and business partners; and

•there may be substantial disruption to our business and a distraction of our management team and employees from day-to-day operations, because matters related to the separation and transition have required substantial commitments of time and financial and other resources, which could otherwise have been devoted to other opportunities that might have been beneficial.

Risks Related to the Extensive Regulation of Our Business

The failure of Ashford to demonstrate financial responsibility may result in a loss of eligibility to participate in Title IV programs or require the posting of a letter of credit in order to maintain eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.

To participate in Title IV programs, an eligible institution must satisfy specific measures of financial responsibility prescribed by the Department. For additional information, see “Regulation — Department Regulation of Title IV Programs — Financial responsibility” in Item 1, “Business.” One measure of financial responsibility is an institution's composite score, a number between negative 1.0 and positive 3.0. An institution's composite score must be at least 1.5 for the institution to be deemed financially responsible without the need for further Department oversight. If Ashford is found not to have satisfied the Department's financial responsibility requirements, they could be limited in their access to or lose Title IV program funding, or they may be required to post a letter of credit in favor of the Department and possibly accept other conditions to their participation in Title IV programs, which would have a material adverse effect on enrollments and our revenues, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

The Department historically has calculated Ashford’s composite score based on our consolidated audited financial statements, rather than the institution’s stand-alone audited financial statements. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, our consolidated composite score calculated was 2.2, satisfying the composite score requirement of the Department's financial responsibility test. We expect our consolidated composite score for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 to be 0.7 and below the composite score requirement as a result of non-recurring restructuring and acquisition related charges unrelated to Ashford. To continue participation in Title IV programs, Ashford could be required to submit a letter of credit and agree to other conditions or restrictions on its Title IV participation. We also are subject to additional financial responsibility standards contained in the 2016 defense to repayment regulations and in the amended regulations that take effect on July 1, 2020. See “Regulation – Defense to repayment.”

If the institution is unable to submit a required letter of credit or to comply with any other applicable conditions or restrictions on its Title IV, the institution could lose its eligibility for Title IV program funding and be subject to other sanctions. The requirement that the institution submit a letter of credit and be subject to other conditions or restrictions on the institution’s Title IV participation, or any limitation or loss of the institution’s Title IV eligibility, would have a material adverse effect on enrollments and our revenues, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Business

We may require additional financing in the future and if such financing is not available on terms acceptable to us, it could adversely affect our ability to grow.

We believe that cash flow from operations will be adequate to fund our current operating plans for the foreseeable future. However, we may need additional financing to finance our plans, particularly if we pursue any acquisitions. The amount, timing and terms of such additional financing will vary principally depending on the timing and size of new program offerings, the timing and size of acquisitions we may seek to consummate and the amount of cash flows from our operations. To the extent that we require additional financing in the future, such financing may not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all and, consequently, we may not be able to fully implement our plans.

We may be susceptible to a number of political, economic, and geographic risks that could harm our business. Significant disruptions in the global economic environment, as a result of a pandemic such as COVID-19, may cause a decrease in our enrollment and adversely affect our business and financial results.

The occurrence of certain political, economic or geographic events (for example, natural disasters or a pandemic, such as the recent outbreak of Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) could result in a significant decline in our revenue. We are dependent on students and other customers that are geographically diverse and could be negatively impacted if economic conditions in the US and globally were negatively impacted. Such an occurrence could cause a decrease in enrollment, including a decrease in

student enrollment in our Corporate Partnership programs, through a slowing down of FTG, a decrease in military student enrollment, or including a decline in student retention.

The recent coronavirus outbreak has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, has spread to the United States and many other parts of the world and will adversely affect our business operations, financial results, and employee availability, and may cause a decrease in our enrollment and a drop in student retention.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 continues to grow both in the United States and globally, and related government and private sector responsive actions have and will continue to adversely affect our business operations. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts our results will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information that may emerge concerning the COVID-19 and the actions taken to contain it or treat its impact. We have asked our corporate employees whose jobs allow them to work remotely to do so, as deemed necessary. Such precautionary measures could create operational challenges as we adjust to a remote workforce, which could adversely impact our business. We are also dependent on customers that are geographically diverse and would be negatively impacted if economic conditions in the US and globally continue to be negatively impacted and cause a decrease in our enrollment.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits


Exhibit						Description
31.1						Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2						Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1						Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, executed by Andrew S. Clark, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Kevin Royal, Chief Financial Officer.
101						The following financial information from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, filed with the SEC on October 28, 2020, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (“XBRL”): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss); (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity; (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
104						Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

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 thereunto duly authorized.


			ZOVIO INC

October 28, 2020			/s/ KEVIN ROYAL
			Kevin Royal Chief Financial Officer (Principal financial officer and duly authorized to sign on behalf of the registrant)