Zovio Inc Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Results

CHANDLER, Ariz., Feb. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Zovio Inc (NASDAQ:ZVO), an education technology services company, today announced the results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2019.

Zovio logo (PRNewsFoto/Zovio) (PRNewsfoto/Zovio)

"During 2019, we made substantial progress as we transition Zovio to an education technology services company. At the same time, new enrollment for the fourth quarter of 2019 exceeded our expectations, while Ashford's annual cohort retention rate increased meaningfully as of December 31, 2019, over the prior year. In addition, our Education Partnership programs continue to flourish. The support and sponsorship of their employees by our corporate partners is a testament that the marketplace believes in the strength and quality of the programs offered through Ashford University," commented Andrew Clark, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Financial Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2019

Revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2019 was $96.3 million, compared with revenue of $94.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2018.

Operating loss for the three months ended December 31, 2019 was $21.2 million, compared with operating loss of $13.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2018.

The Company recognized an income tax expense of approximately $1.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019, compared with income tax benefit of $35,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2018.

Net loss for the three months ended December 31, 2019 was $23.0 million, compared with net loss of $13.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2018.

Diluted loss per share for the three months ended December 31, 2019 was $0.76, compared with diluted loss per share of $0.49 for the three months ended December 31, 2018.

Non-GAAP Financial Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2019

Non-GAAP operating loss for the three months ended December 31, 2019 was $4.4 million, compared with non-GAAP operating loss of $6.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2018. Non-GAAP operating loss for the three months ended December 31, 2019 excludes restructuring and impairment charges of $13.6 million, separation transaction costs of $0.9 million and acquisition costs of $2.4 million. Non-GAAP operating loss for the three months ended December 31, 2018 excludes restructuring and impairment charges of $4.0 million and separation transaction costs of $3.2 million.

Non-GAAP net loss for the three months ended December 31, 2019 was $4.5 million, compared with non-GAAP net loss of $6.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2018. Non-GAAP net loss for the three months ended December 31, 2019 excludes restructuring and impairment charges of $13.6 million, separation transaction costs of $0.9 million and acquisition costs of $2.4 million, and the related tax effects. Non-GAAP net loss for the three months ended December 31, 2018 excludes restructuring and impairment charges of $4.0 million and separation transaction costs of $3.2 million, and the related tax effects.

Non-GAAP diluted loss per share for the three months ended December 31, 2019 was $0.15, compared with non-GAAP diluted loss per share of $0.23 for the three months ended December 31, 2018.

Financial Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2019

Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $417.8 million, compared with revenue of $443.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Operating loss for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $56.6 million, compared with operating loss of $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

The Company recognized an income tax benefit of $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared with income tax benefit of $7.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $54.8 million, compared with net income of $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Diluted loss per share for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $1.86, compared with diluted income per share of $0.17 for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Non-GAAP Financial Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2019

Non-GAAP operating loss for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $15.0 million, compared with non-GAAP operating income of $12.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Non-GAAP operating loss for the year ended December 31, 2019 excludes restructuring and impairment charges of $21.5 million, separation transaction costs of $5.8 million, acquisition costs of $14.1 million and other non-GAAP costs of $0.2 million. Non-GAAP operating income for the year ended December 31, 2018 excludes a legal settlement expense of $0.1 million, restructuring and impairment charges of $7.8 million and separation transaction costs of $8.1 million.

Non-GAAP net loss for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $13.9 million, compared with non-GAAP net income of $13.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Non-GAAP net loss for the year ended December 31, 2019 excludes restructuring and impairment charges of $21.5 million, separation transaction costs of $5.8 million, acquisition costs of $14.1 million, other non-GAAP costs of $0.2 million, and the related tax effects. Non-GAAP net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 excludes a legal settlement expense of $0.1 million, restructuring and impairment charges of $7.8 million, separation transaction costs of $8.1 million, and the related tax effects.

Non-GAAP diluted loss per share for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $0.47, compared with non-GAAP diluted income per share of $0.47 for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

As of December 31, 2019, the Company had combined cash and cash equivalents of $69.3 million as compared to $166.3 million as of December 31, 2018.

The Company used $46.1 million of cash in operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2019, compared with $7.6 million of cash used in operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2018.

Student Enrollment

Total student enrollment at Ashford University was 34,722 at December 31, 2019, compared with total student enrollment of 38,153 at December 31, 2018.

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

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

Earnings Conference Call and Webcast

Zovio Inc will host a conference call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (2:00 p.m. Pacific Time) today to discuss its latest financial results and recent highlights. The dial-in number for callers in the United States is (877) 395-6119, and the dial-in number for other callers is (647) 689-5537. The access code for all callers is 9166989. A live broadcast of the call will also be available on the Company's website at http://ir.zovio.com.

About Zovio Inc

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

Forward-Looking Statements

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

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

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

ZOVIO INC

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)



Three Months Ended
December 31,


Year Ended
December 31,


2019


2018


2019


2018

Revenue

$

96,285



$

94,713



$

417,795



$

443,373


Costs and expenses:








Instructional costs and services

51,298



51,580



209,730



217,700


Admissions advisory and marketing

36,071



38,780



170,791



168,751


General and administrative

16,565



13,952



72,406



52,980


Legal settlement expense







141


Restructuring and impairment charges

13,575



3,999



21,465



7,794


Total costs and expenses

117,509



108,311



474,392



447,366


Operating loss

(21,224)



(13,598)



(56,597)



(3,993)


Other income (loss), net

(25)



148



1,015



1,047


Loss before income taxes

(21,249)



(13,450)



(55,582)



(2,946)


Income tax expense (benefit)

1,766



(35)



(770)



(7,582)


Net income (loss)

$

(23,015)



$

(13,415)



$

(54,812)



$

4,636


Income (loss) per share:








Basic

$

(0.76)



$

(0.49)



$

(1.86)



$

0.17


Diluted

$

(0.76)



$

(0.49)



$

(1.86)



$

0.17


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








Basic

30,270



27,144



29,492



27,135


Diluted

30,270



27,144



29,492



27,563



 

ZOVIO INC

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)



As of December 31,


2019


2018

ASSETS




Current assets:




Cash and cash equivalents

$

69,280



$

166,307


Restricted cash

23,257



18,619


Investments

2,502



2,068


Accounts receivable, net

34,951



27,015


Prepaid expenses and other current assets

20,524



18,255


Total current assets

150,514



232,264


Property and equipment, net

34,294



16,860


Operating lease assets

18,615




Goodwill and intangibles, net

44,419



12,441


Other long-term assets

2,296



7,927


Total assets

$

250,138



$

269,492


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY




Current liabilities:




Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

$

68,160



$

62,792


Deferred revenue and student deposits

55,284



63,834


Total current liabilities

123,444



126,626


Rent liability

22,409



3,183


Lease financing obligation



8,634


Other long-term liabilities

5,347



3,435


Total liabilities

151,200



141,878


Total stockholders' equity

98,938



127,614


Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

250,138



$

269,492


 

ZOVIO INC

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)



Year Ended December 31,


2019


2018

Cash flows from operating activities




Net income (loss)

$

(54,812)



$

4,636


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




Provision for bad debts

16,252



22,834


Depreciation and amortization

10,229



6,786


Deferred income taxes

(36)



(19)


Stock-based compensation

12,340



4,787


Noncash lease expense

19,261




Net loss (gain) on marketable securities

(308)



89


Reassessment of lease charges

558



2,943


Loss on disposal or impairment of fixed assets

208



1,406


Loss on impairment of goodwill and intangibles

670



495


Changes in operating assets and liabilities:




  Accounts receivable

(18,537)



(27,007)


  Prepaid expenses and other current assets

3,874



4,133


  Other long-term assets

(7)



2,843


  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

1,939



(12,190)


  Deferred revenue and student deposits

(11,099)



(6,598)


  Operating lease liabilities

(22,967)




  Other liabilities

(3,651)



(12,729)


Net cash used in operating activities

(46,086)



(7,591)


Cash flows from investing activities




Capital expenditures

(31,029)



(2,581)


Purchases of investments

(126)



(1,067)


Capitalized costs for intangible assets

(750)



(873)


Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

(19,489)




Sales of investments



975


Net cash used in investing activities

(51,394)



(3,546)


Cash flows from financing activities




Proceeds from exercise of stock options

60



455


Tax withholdings related to net exercise of stock options



(1,097)


Proceeds from the issuance of stock under employee stock purchase plan

192



210


Tax withholding on issuance of stock awards

(819)



(949)


Repurchase of common stock



(2,424)


Net cash used in financing activities

(567)



(3,805)


Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

(98,047)



(14,942)


Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

190,584



205,526


Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$

92,537



$

190,584


 

ZOVIO INC

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)



Three Months Ended
December 31,


Year Ended
December 31,


2019


2018


2019


2018

Operating Income (Loss) Reconciliation:








GAAP operating income (loss)

$

(21,224)



$

(13,598)



$

(56,597)



$

(3,993)


Legal settlement expense







141


Restructuring and impairment charges

13,575



3,999



21,465



7,794


Separation transaction costs

874



3,247



5,832



8,081


Acquisition costs

2,404





14,111




Other non-GAAP costs





238




Non-GAAP operating income (loss)

$

(4,371)



$

(6,352)



$

(14,951)



$

12,023


















Net Income (Loss) Reconciliation:








GAAP net income (loss)

$

(23,015)



$

(13,415)



$

(54,812)



$

4,636


Legal settlement expense







141


Restructuring and impairment charges

13,575



3,999



21,465



7,794


Separation transaction costs

874



3,247



5,832



8,081


Acquisition costs

2,404





14,111




Other non-GAAP costs





238




Income tax impact, non-GAAP

1,663



(38)



(750)



(7,685)


Non-GAAP net income (loss)

$

(4,499)



$

(6,207)



$

(13,916)



$

12,967


















Diluted Income (Loss) Per Share Reconciliation:








GAAP diluted income (loss) per share

$

(0.76)



$

(0.49)



$

(1.86)



$

0.17


Legal settlement expense







0.01


Restructuring and impairment charges

0.45



0.15



0.73



0.28


Separation transaction costs

0.03



0.12



0.20



0.29


Acquisition costs

0.08





 

0.48




Other non-GAAP costs





0.01




Income tax impact, non-GAAP

0.05



(0.01)



 

(0.03)



(0.28)


Non-GAAP diluted income (loss) per share

$

(0.15)



$

(0.23)



$

(0.47)



$

0.47










 

ZOVIO INC

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

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)



Three Months Ended
December 31,


Year Ended
December 31,


2019


2018


2019


2018

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation:








GAAP net income (loss)

$

(23,015)



$

(13,415)



$

(54,812)



$

4,636


Income tax benefit

1,766



(35)



(770)



(7,582)


Interest (income) expense, net

(91)



(310)



(910)



(229)


Depreciation and amortization

3,055



1,586



10,229



6,786


EBITDA

(18,285)



(12,174)



(46,263)



3,611


Legal settlement expense







141


Restructuring and impairment charges

13,575



3,999



21,465



7,794


Separation transaction costs

874



3,247



5,832



8,081


Acquisition costs

2,404





14,111




Other non-GAAP costs





238




Income tax impact, non-GAAP

1,663



(38)



(750)



(7,685)


Adjusted EBITDA

$

231



$

(4,966)



$

(5,367)



$

11,942


 

SOURCE Zovio