Perdoceo Education Corporation Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Rhea-AI Summary

Perdoceo Education (NASDAQ: PRDO) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) for approximately $142-144 million in cash. The acquisition, expected to close in December 2024, is subject to regulatory approvals. USAHS, a leading graduate health sciences university, had revenues of about $170 million and served around 4,500 students in 2023.

Key points:

• Acquisition price: $142-144 million in cash
• Expected closing: December 2024
• USAHS 2023 revenue: ~$170 million
• USAHS 2023 operating income: ~$35 million
• USAHS student count: ~4,500

Perdoceo expects the acquisition to be accretive to adjusted operating income starting in 2025. The company affirmed its 2024 adjusted operating income outlook of $175-190 million.

Positive

• Acquisition of USAHS expands Perdoceo's presence in the growing health sciences education sector
• Expected to be accretive to adjusted operating income starting in 2025
• USAHS generated $170 million in revenue and $35 million in operating income in 2023
• Aligns with Perdoceo's strategy of acquiring quality, accretive academic institutions

Negative

• Significant cash outlay of $142-144 million for the acquisition
• Potential termination fees of $4 million, $10 million, or $20 million if the deal falls through
• Acquisition subject to regulatory approvals, which could delay or prevent completion

Insights

Financial Analyst

Perdoceo's acquisition of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) at a price range of $142 million to $144 million is a significant strategic move. This acquisition serves as an essential diversification strategy by entering the health sciences education sector, a field expecting a 13% growth rate by 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Financially, USAHS posted revenues of $170 million and an operating income of $35 million in 2023. This suggests a valuation multiple of around 4x operating income, which seems reasonable within the educational sector. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to Perdoceo’s adjusted operating income starting 2025, indicating immediate financial benefits.

It’s important to observe that the acquisition will be funded with cash on hand, avoiding debt and associated financial risks. Furthermore, the terms include a representation and warranty insurance policy, which provides risk mitigation against pre-closing liabilities.

For retail investors, this acquisition offers both short-term and long-term benefits. In the short term, the accretive nature of the deal should enhance Perdoceo's earnings. In the long term, diversification into a growing sector can provide stability and growth opportunities.

Market Research Analyst

The acquisition marks Perdoceo’s entry into the health sciences education market, reflecting a strategic pivot towards a high-growth sector. The health sciences field, including physical therapy, occupational therapy and nursing, is experiencing robust demand, highlighted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' projection of a 13% increase in jobs by 2031. This demographic trend is highly favorable and aligns well with Perdoceo’s growth ambitions.

USAHS’s established presence with campuses in key states and reputable online programs provide a strong platform to leverage and expand. This geographical and programmatic diversity reduces dependence on any single market or modality, enhancing Perdoceo’s overall risk profile.

For retail investors, this diversification into health sciences could stabilize and potentially grow Perdoceo’s revenue streams. The company’s ability to integrate and further develop USAHS’s programs will be critical in realizing these benefits.

Legal Expert

From a regulatory standpoint, the acquisition of USAHS involves intricate approvals from bodies like the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the U.S. Department of Education. These approvals are critical as they ensure the continued accreditation and operational integrity of USAHS post-acquisition.

The inclusion of a buyer-side representation and warranty insurance policy is a prudent measure. It mitigates risks associated with pre-closing liabilities and inaccuracies in seller representations, thereby safeguarding Perdoceo’s financial interests.

The termination fee structure, varying from $4 million to $20 million based on the circumstances, is relatively standard but underscores the commitment levels of both parties involved. Investors should note that while regulatory approvals are customary, any delays or denials could impact the transaction timeline and anticipated financial benefits.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Perdoceo Education Corporation (“Perdoceo” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: PRDO), a provider of postsecondary education, today reported that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% ownership of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, LLC (USAHS). The material terms of the transaction have been described in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission today. Completion of the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and satisfactory regulatory approvals from the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), as well as other key regulatory bodies, and receipt of a preacquisition review response from the US Department of Education. The Company expects to complete the acquisition in December 2024.

USAHS is one of the nation’s leading universities offering graduate health sciences degrees, primarily in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language therapy, nursing, as well as continuing education programs. Founded in 1979, USAHS educates students through its network of campuses in San Marcos, California; St. Augustine and Miami, Florida; and Austin and Dallas, Texas; and through its online programs. USAHS is accredited by the WASC.

Once completed, the Company expects that the acquisition will support further growth and diversification of its academic program offerings and will mark Perdoceo’s foray into health science degrees in a meaningful way. With the current advances in technology, including AI, the number of careers requiring a health science degree has been growing and is expected to grow for the foreseeable future. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the health sciences are expected to increase 13% by 2031, more than twice the average job growth rate across all employment sectors.

The ownership transition is not expected to impact the current academic programs of USAHS, and USAHS will remain fully committed to serving and educating students and providing the same high quality educational experience.

Commenting on the transaction, Todd Nelson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Perdoceo, said, “I have been impressed with the USAHS team for their hard work and dedication to serving and educating students. USAHS has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading graduate health sciences universities and I look forward to having them join our organization. I believe Perdoceo’s resources and capabilities will continue to support transformational initiatives at USAHS that will focus on further enhancing student experiences, while delivering sustainable and responsible growth.”

Transaction Details

• Perdoceo expects to pay approximately $142 million to $144 million in cash at closing to acquire 100% ownership of USAHS. The actual cash paid will depend on adjustments for cash, debt and working capital based on the final closing balance sheet.
• Pursuant to the merger agreement, Perdoceo has purchased a buyer-side representation and warranty insurance policy, which will serve as the primary source of protection against certain risks associated with representations and warranties made by the seller and pre-closing tax liabilities. The representation and warranty insurance policy is subject to customary conditions, exclusions and deductibles and will survive for at least three years from the closing.
• The boards of directors of both parties to the merger, the USAHS board of directors, and the USAHS stockholders holding 100% of the voting power over USAHS’ parent’s outstanding common stock, each have unanimously approved the acquisition, and no other stockholder or board approval is required to complete the acquisition.
• The merger agreement may be terminated in certain specified, limited circumstances. Upon such termination Perdoceo will be required to pay the seller a termination fee of either $4 million, $10 million or $20 million, depending on the circumstances.
• The acquisition is not subject to a financing condition. Perdoceo plans to use cash on hand for the purchase.
• The acquisition is subject to regulatory clearances, including receipt of required antitrust clearance and approval from WASC, receipt of a preacquisition review response from the US Department of Education, and other closing conditions specified in the merger agreement. The transaction is expected to close in December 2024.
• For the year ended December 31, 2023, USAHS had revenues of approximately $170 million, operating income of approximately $35 million and served approximately 4,500 graduate and post-graduate students across multiple health sciences disciplines.
• Perdoceo expects the transaction to be accretive to the Company’s adjusted operating income immediately beginning in 2025 and the transaction to provide further growth in adjusted operating income in 2026.
• The acquisition of USAHS is consistent with Perdoceo’s balanced capital allocation strategy of acquiring quality academic institutions that are accretive acquisitions while also returning capital to shareholders via dividends and share buybacks.

Affirming Outlook for Fiscal Year 2024

Perdoceo remains on track to achieve its full year adjusted operating income outlook for $175 million to $190 million, as provided in the Company’s previous quarterly earnings release, subject to the assumptions and factors set forth therein.

ABOUT PERDOCEO EDUCATION CORPORATION

Perdoceo’s accredited academic institutions offer a quality postsecondary education primarily online to a diverse student population, along with campus-based and blended learning programs. The Company’s academic institutions – Colorado Technical University (“CTU”) and the American InterContinental University System (“AIUS” or “AIU System”) – provide degree programs from the associate through doctoral level as well as non-degree seeking and professional development programs. Perdoceo’s academic institutions offer students industry-relevant and career-focused academic programs that are designed to meet the educational needs of today’s busy adults. CTU and AIUS continue to show innovation in higher education, advancing personalized learning technologies like their intellipath® learning platform and using data analytics and technology to serve and educate students while enhancing overall learning and academic experiences. Perdoceo is committed to providing quality education that closes the gap between learners who seek to advance their careers and employers needing a qualified workforce. For more information, please visit www.perdoceoed.com.

Except for the historical and present factual information contained herein, the matters set forth in this release, including statements identified by words such as “believe,” “will,” “expect,” “continue,” “outlook,” “remain,” “focused on,” “should” and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are based on information currently available to us and are subject to various assumptions, risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, performance, business prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update or revise such factors or any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events, developments or changed circumstances, or for any other reason. These risks and uncertainties, the outcomes of which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and operations, include, but are not limited to, the following: conditions to the completion of the acquisition, such as required regulatory clearances, not being satisfied; closing of the transaction being delayed or not occurring at all; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance or condition that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement; Perdoceo being unable to achieve the anticipated benefits of the transaction; the acquired business not performing as expected; Perdoceo assuming unexpected risks, liabilities and obligations of the acquired business; significant transaction costs associated with the transaction; the risk that disruptions from the transaction will harm the parties’ businesses, including current plans and operations; the ability of the parties to retain and hire key personnel; potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed transaction; and other factors relating to Perdoceo’s operations and financial performance discussed in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Further information about these and other relevant risks and uncertainties may be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and its subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is a graduate institution that offers degree programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, education and health science, as well as continuing education programs. Founded in 1979, USAHS has locations in San Marcos, California; St. Augustine and Miami, Florida; Austin and Dallas, Texas; and offers degrees through its online programs. USAHS is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. For more information: www.usa.edu.

USAHS does not intend to comment further about the proposed transaction. Any further inquiries should be directed to Alpha IR.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240716368213/en/

Alpha IR

Sam Gibbons

(312) 445-2870

PRDO@alpha-ir.com

Source: Perdoceo Education Corporation

FAQ

What is the acquisition price for USAHS by Perdoceo Education (PRDO)?

Perdoceo Education (PRDO) is acquiring the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) for approximately $142-144 million in cash.

When is the USAHS acquisition by Perdoceo (PRDO) expected to close?

The acquisition of USAHS by Perdoceo Education (PRDO) is expected to close in December 2024, subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions.

How many students does USAHS serve, and what was its revenue in 2023?

In 2023, USAHS served approximately 4,500 graduate and post-graduate students and generated revenues of approximately $170 million.

How will the USAHS acquisition impact Perdoceo's (PRDO) financial performance?

Perdoceo (PRDO) expects the USAHS acquisition to be accretive to the company's adjusted operating income immediately beginning in 2025, with further growth expected in 2026.